MAIWP RUN 2026 Fosters Spirit Of Unity

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) is not only responsible for managing zakat, waqf, administrative affairs and educational development, but also plays a social role, by fostering messages of unity and a spirit of mutual respect within the community.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the organisation of MAIWP RUN 2026, together with Koperasi PPZ Bhd (KoPPZ), is part of ongoing efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle, while also emphasising noble values, such as unity, discipline and volunteerism.

He said that although the run was organised by MAIWP, it managed to attract participants from various religions and ethnic groups, including runners from overseas such as India, China, Africa and Europe, proving that unity can be achieved on the basis of shared humanity.

“This year marks the fourth edition of MAIWP RUN, which saw the participation of 10,020 runners, including the Bikeisable category for persons with disabilities (PwDs), thus celebrating the involvement of all segments of society,” he told the media after taking part in the event, here, today.

MAIWP RUN 2026 offered various race categories, including the half-marathon, 10-kilometre (km), 5km and 3km runs, as well as the Bikeisable event.

Meanwhile, Persatuan Kasih OKU president Mohd Fadli Samad, 41, attended the event with his son, Muhammad Emir Rizqi, 10, who has cerebral palsy (CP), in support of the community and to celebrate PwDs.

He said participation in events such as this was not merely a sporting activity, but also served as emotional therapy for parents, and an opportunity to help children become accustomed to public settings.

“Alhamdulillah, after nearly eight years of participating in running programmes in Malaysia, public acceptance has been very encouraging. Here, we can see how other participants also interact warmly with our children, providing positive social experiences and strengthening parents emotionally,” he said, when met by Bernama.

He added that facilities at venues such as Putrajaya are very disability-friendly, making movement easier and ensuring the safety of children.

Norul Ismahanum Abdul Razak, better known as Vee, 39, drew attention at the event when she appeared wearing a costume of the character Hela from the film Thor, while her friend donned a Batman costume, during the five-kilometre run.

She said this was her third time participating in the event, and that the costumes were chosen to enliven the atmosphere and show support for other runners, especially children.

“The most enjoyable feeling is seeing the children here happy when they see me, because I understand that waking up early for events like this can be tiring for them. So I hope that my presence can entertain them a little and make them even more excited to take part in future runs,” she said.

-- BERNAMA