By Muhammad Saufee Rosman
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- The inaugural HAWANA 2026 Fun Walk has received an encouraging response, with participants collecting their event kits today ahead of tomorrow's programme at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens.
A check at the distribution counter in the lobby of Wisma Bernama found participants arriving as early as 10 am, reflecting strong interest in the event held in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration.
The 2.6-kilometre walk has attracted 1,500 participants comprising media practitioners and members of the public.
Several participants expressed excitement about taking part in the event, while also showing appreciation for the role of media practitioners in delivering accurate and verified information.
Mohd Rizam Abdul Rahim, 47, from Cheras, said he and his family joined the programme to show support for media practitioners and to spend quality time together.
“My wife, our two children and I decided to take part after learning about the programme through social media. We enjoy events like this because they promote a healthy lifestyle while allowing us to spend time as a family,” he told Bernama.
Private sector employee Zaleha Othman, 50, said journalists remained relevant despite the growing influence of social media.
“Although many people now obtain information through social media, journalists are still important because they are responsible for gathering and verifying information before it is shared with the public,” she said.
Participants Mohd Fariq Salim, 43 and Sazalina Abdul Rahman, 50 said the programme provided an opportunity to adopt a healthy lifestyle while recognising the contributions of media practitioners.
Meanwhile, HAWANA 2026 Sports Committee chairman Abdul Halim Hafiz Mohamad Radzali said the distribution of kits, which ran from 10 am to 4 pm today, proceeded smoothly.
“We hope for good weather tomorrow and that all participants will arrive early. Participants are encouraged to be at the venue by 6.30 am for a warm-up session before the flag-off at 8 am,” he said.
Participants can also look forward to a range of side activities, including traditional games, colouring activities and quizzes, as well as 500 lucky draw prizes worth a total of RM50,000.
Organised by Bernama, the Fun Walk is among the programmes lined up for HAWANA 2026, which will culminate in Penang on June 20 and is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
-- BERNAMA
