SEBERANG PRAI: Some 2,000 people, including children as young as age 4, took part in the inaugural Jom Heboh Fun Run 2025 event with Harian Metro, organised in conjunction with Karnival Jom Heboh here.
Media Prima Omnia chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar said the programme was not merely an opportunity for the public to engage in recreational activities but also brought together the local community, regardless of age and background, in a cheerful and harmonious atmosphere.
“Alhamdulillah, the response has been very encouraging, and we anticipate continuing running programs like this at all subsequent Karnival Jom Heboh locations in other states.
“Not only did young runners not miss the opportunity to participate, but many also came with their families and friends. In doing so, they spent quality time doing healthy activities on the weekend,” he said.
Present were Media Prima Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid, Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail and Karnival Jom Heboh project director Eileen Lim.
Lim, who is also Media Prima Omnia activation team general manager, said the organisation of the fun run completes the Jom Heboh brand as a family entertainment platform that brings beneficial programme content close to the hearts of the community.
She said, more proudly, the event attracted 50 participants from Penang police, led by Azizee and including Seberang Prai Selatan police chief Superintendent Jay January Siowou, as well as those from the Inland Revenue Board, Puspakom and Uda Holdings Bhd.
This, she said, shows that Karnival Jom Heboh not only presents entertainment programmes but also provides beneficial content and activities for the whole family and all segments of society.
“We not only bring you artistes and hold concerts, as well as other entertainment programmes, but also collaborate with the Health Ministry to conduct health checks for visitors, in addition to giving supplementary measles-rubella immunisation shots for children.
“We also feature programmes such as aerobic activities, traditional games and children’s costume competitions, which also received encouraging responses,” she said.
Meanwhile, luck was on the side of supermarket worker Mohamad Adib Azmi, 24, who came in first after completing the 5km fun run in a time of 20 minutes, while barber Ahmad Aiman Hakim, 23, took second place with a time of 21 minutes.
“I actually only started actively running about a year ago. In a month, I usually participate in three or four running events around Penang, covering distances of 5km, 10km, or 21km,” said Adib.
“Getting to the podium is a bonus… it feels truly satisfying.
“Runs are not just a sport, but also a space to ‘run away momentarily’ from the hustle and bustle of the daily routine, so for me, the organisation of the Jom Heboh Fun Run is perfectly timed in further promoting the running culture among the community.”
Earlier, the run, which combined elements of entertainment, music and healthy lifestyle, was enlivened by the participation of personalities such as Farah Nabilah Wazer, Fahiz Ariff, Barr Zaizan, Amirulhakim Lokman, Asrulnizam Kadir, Fatin Hamimah, Muaz Mohamed and many others.
Every participant received a special edition jersey and bag of exclusive Jom Heboh souvenirs worth more than RM50, besides being able to win lucky draw prizes worth more than RM40,000.
Among the main prizes were an overseas vacation package, a free U Family 128 plan from U Mobile for 12 months for four people, a 50-inch television, an electric scooter, luggage, a robot vacuum, and various other attractive prizes.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
