By John T.
KOTA KINABALU: The JOM! Malaysia-China Friendship Run 2025 is a cultural and sporting exchange activity to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and China.
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew said she took pride in being part of such a meaningful celebration, adding that there was a strong sense of camaraderie among participants from both countries.
She said, as a cultural and sporting exchange activity that has been held for many years, it helps to foster lasting friendship, mutual respect, and greater understanding between our peoples, as we share common ideals of trust, peace, and harmony.
She commended the organisers for a well-executed event. “I hope that interested tourists will have the opportunity to participate in future runs as an additional attraction while visiting the city,” she said when met by reporters after officiating the flag-off on behalf of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Padang Merdeka here on Sunday.
She was joined by the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh; Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin; Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, H.E. Zhu Xinglong; Assistant Minister of Finance, Datuk Tan Lee Fatt; and President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah, Dr. Oh Ei Sun.
Meanwhile, Dr. Oh said the objective of the run was to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
It was organised by the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah. Over 5,500 participants took part in the 7 km run, which followed a scenic route along Likas Bay and returned to Padang Merdeka from the Bay 21 roundabout.
