Run for Peace (RfP) 2023, organised by SGM in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and with the support of the Ministry of National Unity, flagged off at 23 locations nationwide from 1–9 July. Over 50,000 peace lovers participated in the event, cheering the slogan “Peace Starts with ME – ActNOW for SDGs!”

At all the locations, youth division members presented energetic cultural performances and aerobic exercises. Various educational activities aimed to promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were also carried out, creating a lively atmosphere. One of the highlights among these activities was the “Seeds of Hope and Action” (SoHA) exhibition which encourages everyone to initiate positive changes for a more sustainable future. 

Lahad Datu, Sabah	Sibu, Sarawak

SGI’s peace movement began on 8 September 1957, when the second president of Soka Gakkai, Josei Toda, made a declaration calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons before 50,000 Soka Gakkai youth members. He emphasised everyone’s right to life and called for the utmost respect of human dignity. This noble commitment to peace was carried forward by his disciple Daisaku Ikeda, who later became the third president.

Inheriting this love for peace, RfP has been organised since 2005 to promote a culture of peace. With a humble beginning, the first RfP was joined by 1,500 participants. This year, the 9th RfP was supported by around 55,000 peace lovers nationwide.

As the risk of nuclear warfare escalation and the challenges of global warming intensify, RfP participants gathered as a massive crowd to raise awareness of the importance of realising peace and the SDGs.

Details of the run by location.

RfP 2023 in each state
>> Johor
>> Kedah
>> Kelantan
>> Kuala Lumpur
>> Melaka
>> Negeri Sembilan
>> Pahang
>> Penang
>> Perak
>> Sabah
>> Sarawak
>> Selangor
>> Terengganu

Read Guests’ Impressions

Read Participants’ Impressions

Johor
The RfP event was held in three locations in Johor. At Dataran Tanjung Emas, Muar, the Municipal Council president Jamil Hasni Abdullah commended SGM for organising the event. He also said that the SDGs align with the governmental policies to drive Malaysia towards becoming a developed nation. Participants were seen picking up litter while running, further enhancing the significance of the event.

Meanwhile at Dataran Mahkota, Iskandar Puteri, hours of heavy rain stopped right after an opening Chinese dance performance, cheering up the participants. The deputy state secretary (sports, youth and volunteers) of Johor, Dato’ Haji On Jabbar @ Jaafar visited the SoHA exhibition set on-site.

Batu Pahat	Dataran Mahkota, Iskandar Puteri

As for Batu Pahat, the state health and unity committee chairman YB Ling Tian Soon said that realising SDGs is the only way to reduce natural disasters as it allows humans to coexist harmoniously with nature. 

An energetic gymnastics performance under the drizzle lifted the atmosphere. The guests and participants completed the run wearing raincoats. 

Prior to this, SGM members from Batu Pahat visited Chinese High School Batu Pahat on 14 June to introduce the concept and practice of SDGs to some 1,900 students and teachers, who gave encouraging responses.

Kedah
In Alor Setar, Tunku Temenggong Kedah, YTM Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, in her opening speech, said that the SDGs are not limited to environmental issues but are closely related to social, economic and environmental development. 

She hoped that the event would strengthen public awareness of sustainable development as well as the importance of creating a peaceful and united society in Malaysia. She agreed with the slogan “Peace starts with me.” 

Kedah	Kedah

Also present were the assistant district officer Rahmat Asyraf, Kedah Department of Youth and Sports deputy director Mohamad Suhaimi Md Saad, E-Idaman head of operation division Munir Amani Dasheer and the Sultanah Bahiyah Foundation Board of Trustees member Datuk Dr Cheng Joo An. 

Tunku Puteri and the other guests visited the SoHA exhibition and concurred with its content. After completing the run, the participants also visited the exhibition and deepened their understanding of SDGs.

Kelantan
Kelantan Youth and Sports Department director Mohd Saipuddin Zakaria delivered a speech in Kota Bharu, complimenting that the event was meticulously organised. He also said the realisation of SGDs requires efforts from the government, NGOs such as SGM, as well as the public. 

Recalling SGM’s previous involvements in the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games and Independence Day, he expressed his hope for SGM to continue contributing to the well-being of society. He later also visited the SoHA exhibition.

Kelantan	Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur
The RfP event took place in partnership with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) at the Saidina Hamzah Stadium within the IIUM campus. During her address, Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister, YB Hannah Yeoh, highlighted the importance of ongoing multi-faith and interfaith engagement, as showcased by the collaboration between SGM and IIUM. She also encouraged everyone to have the courage to speak out when addressing issues that threaten the harmony in Malaysia. Reflecting on SGM’s participation in the human graphics presentation during the opening ceremony of the 16th Commonwealth Games in 1998, YB Hannah, who was a student at the time, fondly recalled being impressed by the coordination of the performance. She took the opportunity to express her gratitude to SGM for its contribution to sports development in Malaysia.

Delivering his speech in the rain, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai said, “Young people with positive aspirations and strong humanistic values are the foundation for creating a sustainable world.” He believes that the youth play a crucial role in shaping a better future. 

IIUM rector Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Dzulkifli Abdul Razak expressed that the event symbolises the nation’s concern for peace and urged the participants to maintain and promote peace in their daily lives. 

Melaka
The state exco member YB Shanmugam V. Pitchay, on behalf of the Chief Minister of Melaka, officiated the flag-off ceremony at Padang Besar Dewan Tun Ali, Bukit Katil. After visiting the SoHA exhibition and having his face painted, he expressed his gratitude to SGM for organising the outstanding activity with a mission to achieve world peace. He urged more individuals to join the efforts in promoting peace.

Melaka	Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan
RfP 2023 marked the fourth collaboration between SGM Negeri Sembilan and Seremban City Council (MBS) in organising the event. Caretaker Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Aminuddin Harun said in his speech that a developing country needs to strike a balance between social, economic and environmental development, which aligns with the message RfP is spreading. 

He also quoted President Ikeda’s teaching that a great human revolution in just a single individual will eventually enable a change in the destiny of all humankind, encouraging the participants to sow the seeds of peace and work towards maintaining social harmony. 

After the run, he took part in some activities designed to raise awareness of SDGs and joined other guests in visiting the SoHA exhibition. He expressed his hope that the public will lead a healthy lifestyle.

The run was also participated by other guests including Seremban City Council Mayor YBhg. Dato’ Masri Razali and the caretaker state exco members YB Teo Kok Seong, YB Nicole Tan Lee Koon and YB Chew Seh Yong.

Pahang	Muar

Pahang
Semambu assemblyperson YB Chan Chun Kuang, who officiated the flag-off ceremony, said that SGM has been actively promoting the concept of sustainable development. He expressed his hope for more of such activities to be organised to create awareness among the public.

The RfP event was held in collaboration with Kuantan City Council (MBK), Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation and Alam Flora. The event also featured various educational activities such as the SoHA exhibition, SDGs-related activities and an exhibition by the Royal Malaysian Police to raise awareness about scams. 

Some 100 participants were picking up litter while completing the 5km run.

Penang
There were two RfP locations in Penang. At the SGM Penang Culture Centre in Bayan Lepas, Penang Island City Council mayor Dato’ Ir. Rajendran Anthony said the city council has always implemented SDGs into their projects, hence he gave his full support to RfP as a platform to promote the SDGs. He also stressed that everyone can take actions towards realising the SGDs and mentioned the collaboration between SGM and the city council as an example of SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.

Meanwhile at SMJK Jit Sin II SPS in Bukit Mertajam, the chairman of the school board Dato’ Lee Chin Heng encouraged everyone to work towards realising peace. He also expressed his anticipation in joining such a significant event in the future.

SMJK Jit Sin II SPS	SGM Penang Culture Centre

Perak
In Ipoh, Perak state exco member Sivanesan Achalingam said the event aligned with the government’s vision in promoting sustainable development and wellbeing, driving Malaysia into a more advanced country. Also present were the state legislative assembly deputy speaker YB Jenny Choy and Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Ipoh) chairman Dato’ Dr Fadzli Cheah.

Meanwhile in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar, the event was graced by the presence of Kampar MP YB Chong Zhemin who delivered a speech. Also present were Keranji assemblyperson YB Angeline Koo and UTAR vice president Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong.

Ipoh	UTAR

Sabah
RfP was organised in five locations – Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Tawau and Federal Territory of Labuan. All the five locations featured the SoHA exhibition and collaborated with several associations such as Sabah Society for the Deaf and Persatuan C.H.I.L.D. Sabah to provide educational information on-site and spread the importance of SDGs. 

Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, who flagged off the run at the Padang Kawad in Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, reminded the public to practice a healthy lifestyle and work towards realising the SDGs. 

Meanwhile, Sandakan health officer Dr Johari Awang Besar expressed his hope for more collaborations with SGM Sandakan to organise activities similar to RfP that would benefit the physical and mental health of the public.

Kota Kinabalu	Labuan

Sarawak
RfP was organised in three locations in Sarawak. In Kuching, the Kuching South mayor Dato’ Wee Hong Seng said in his speech that respecting diversity is the responsibility of all Malaysians to promote peace. Also present was Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai.

Meanwhile in Miri, Sarawak Transport Minister YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin gave a speech, stating that the run had a noble cause of promoting peace and the SDGs. 

He said that the participants were present to convey the importance of living in harmony with nature. He added that the RfP souvenir – a pencil with seeds – further encouraged the participant to contribute in greening the environment. 

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and Pujut assemblyperson YB Adam Yii Siew Sang who visited the SoHA exhibition.

Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh, who attended the run in Sibu, called on everyone to take actions to protect the Earth for the future generations.

Kuching	Miri

Selangor
Ikeda Peace Park in Klang was filled with a sea of 8,000 participants, making it the location with the most participants. Klang Municipal Council president TPr. Puan Hajah Noraini Roslan delivered a speech, stating that SGM members have been making significant contributions to promoting peace based on President Ikeda’s teaching that “nothing is more precious than peace.” She urged the residents of Klang to embrace the spirit of RfP as a way of life and take actions towards realising the SDGs.

After the flag-off ceremony, she visited the SoHA exhibition in the Selangor Culture Centre and participated in a peace and SDGs conference with other guests including Sentosa incumbent assemblyperson YB Gunarajah George, South Klang OCPD ACP Cha Hoong Fong and Klang District health officer Dr Siti Rohana Saad. 

The guests were impressed by SGM youth division members’ commitment and dedication in running the event.

Terengganu
At the Foodtruck Drawbridge, Kuala Terengganu, SGM Terengganu chairman Khor Wan Koon called upon the youth to work together in constructing a world free of nuclear weapons. Terengganu Youth and Sports Department assistant director Nurul Afifa Sofina Azmi visited the SoHA exhibition.

Selangor	Terengganu

Guests’ Impressions

Hannah Yeoh, Youth and Sports Minister
I am very impressed with the turnout and SGM’s commitment despite the rain. This is not a one-off event, it has been going on for many years, which really testify your commitment for interfaith engagement in Malaysia for peace. I asked that you continue to do that. 

Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, Youth and Sports Ministry Secretary-General 
We (Ministry of Youth and Sports) are excited that SGM organises this event which helps in developing an active, healthy and fit society through sports. The event also promotes peace and harmony, as well as the 17 SDGs. We hope that there will be more of such an event and we will always give our support.

Dato’ Masri Razali, Seremban City Council Mayor 
This non-competitive run is well-received by people from various ethnic groups. Many participants are seen coming with their families. I fully agree with the event’s slogan, highlighting that even small steps will eventually bring about great results as long as we are moving in the right direction.

Nurul Afifa Sofina Azmi, Terengganu Youth and Sports Department assistant director 
This is an excellent platform for the youths to learn about the SDGs. The SoHA exhibition shows statistics related to the crises that the Earth is currently facing, hence I urge the youths to take action for the sustainability of our planet.

YB Chong Zhemin, Kampar MP 
The on-site decorations, crafted using environmentally friendly materials, are visually appealing and creative. The public also gets to learn about the significance of the SDGs through participating in games. The event today is indeed moving the community towards realising the SDGs.

YB Gan Peck Cheng, Penggaram assemblyperson 
Peace is about coexistence, communion, and sharing so that we can live in harmony. The path to realising peace may not be easy, but I will do my best to accomplish this mission. Through this event, I hope to call upon everyone to be respectful and tolerant in order to promote harmony within our community.

YB Gunarajah George, Sentosa incumbent assemblyperson 
SGM has always been an organisation who keeps peace-related activities alive. The slogan this year “Peace Starts with ME – ActNOW for SDGs!” is fantastic, but I would like to add something else to that. “If not you, who? If not now, when? Act right now!”

Haji Sairul Fauzi Shariff, Kuantan City Council head of tourism division
The participants are of various ethnic groups, demonstrating that our nation is moving in the direction of realising peace. The cooperation between government agencies, private sector and non-governmental organisations is crucial in developing a nation of peace.

ACP Cha Hoong Fong, South Klang OCPD  
From the enforcement angle, I focus on two aspects – safety and security. Both are related to the concept of peace. I am very impressed that SGM managed to conduct an event participated by a few thousands people and everyone followed the rules and regulations set.

Dato’ Dr Fadzli Cheah, chairman of Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Ipoh) 
Our survival will be threatened without world peace. Therefore, we need to live in harmony, help each other and experience the diverse cultural activities of different ethnic groups. We should also review the ways we are treating the Earth, which has led to climate change. Soka Gakkai plays the role of an educator to encourage the public to take action in realising the SGDs.

Sandakan, Sabah	Tawau, Sabah

Participants’ Impressions

Prcekash Kunwar (Johor) 
It is important to spread the message of peace across the society now as we seem to be losing it bit by bit. This is my first time participating in Run for Peace and I registered with 45 of my colleagues. I aim to double the figure for the next Run for Peace.

Steven Pillay (Melaka) 
The organiser has made a marvellous effort in making this event a success. I am particularly impressed with the decoration of this venue. My family and I have visited the SoHA exhibition and agreed with the thought that we should look beyond ourselves. We need to have a wider perspective and I encourage everyone to work together in realising the SDGs.

Ros Areesah (Selangor)
This is my first time participating in this event. I have built new friendships with people from different ethnicities. And I now have a better understanding of the SDGs. This Run for Peace event has taught me that I can initiate actions for peace by being friendly to others.

Jess See (Penang)
This event spreads the significance of peace to a wider population. It also helps in creating a better environment for the future generations. I think organising the SoHA exhibition and promoting SDGs are excellent initiatives. I am determined to turn what I have learned into actions in my daily life.

William Thong (Sarawak) 
I participated in Run for Peace in 2019 and I was looking forward to this event because of its educational nature in promoting peace. I find this event meaningful. I believe what is most important now is to eliminate wars in order to create a peaceful and economically stable world.

Siti Khuraizah Abdul Rahman (Kuala Lumpur)
Participating in such a meaningful event with people of different ethnicities allows me to see that we are living in harmony and united. I think everyone should be given the opportunity to receive quality education regardless of one’s social status, as a way to realise one of the SDGs.

Muhammad Zuhairi bin Abdul Ghani (Pahang)
In my opinion, SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 13: Climate Action are crucial. The capabilities of our future generations will not improve in the absence of quality education. Climate change will accelerate if we do not take immediate actions. My organisation, Alam Flora, will continue to educate the public to achieve these two goals.