Kota Kinabalu: More than 5,500 participants took part in the Jom! Malaysia-China Friendship Run 2025, held early Sunday morning at Padang Merdeka to commemorate the 51st anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew flagged off the 7km run on behalf of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The route stretched along scenic Likas Bay, turning at the Bay 21 roundabout and ending back at Padang Merdeka.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tan Lee Fatt, Chinese Consul General Zhu Xinglong and Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah President Dr Oh Ei Sun.
Dr Oh said the event aimed to honour the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Christina praised the organisers and expressed hope that the run would become an attractive cultural activity for visitors.
“I hope tourists will be able to join future runs as a value-added experience.
She expressed pride in joining the celebration, describing the event as a symbol of shared ideals between the two nations.
“This is more than just a cultural and sports event, it strengthens people-to-people ties and reflects the trust, peace and harmony we continue to build together,” she said.