JOHOR BARU: The 29th SEA Games Torch Run which will cover nationwide in the run-up to the regional games, arrived here at Bukit Senyum today from Singapore.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin kicked-off the Torch Run, leading a group of 1,000 participants.
The 2017 SEA Games Torch is made from the baton used in the Rising Together Baton Run. The baton was the one used in celebrating Malaysia’s hosting the 2017 Sea Games and Asean Para Games.
The baton which was specially designed by Royal Selangor is 400mm long and 44mm wide and weighing about 600g.
Khairy was in Singapore earlier this morning, where he received the torch, which was passed to him by Singapore’s Youth, Culture and Community Grace Fu Hai Yien.
The torch run marks the countdown to the 29th Sea Games and the 9th Asean Para Sport, coined under the name - KL2017, as Malaysia is the host country for both sporting events.
The Rising Together Run began in Brunei Darussalam on March 5 and made its way to the other nine Asean nations before arriving in Malaysia today.
As the baton made its way to Johor it changed into a torch as it changed hands from KL2017 mascot Rimau to Khairy, marking the start of the nationwide KL2017 torch run.
The Youth and Sports Minister said the KL2017 torch run will be a historical event as it will pass through iconic locations nationwide.
"The torch will be carried to iconic places such as the peak of Mount Kinabalu, the sea off Pulau Perhentian and soaring high in the sky as the torch is brought down by skydivers at the KL Tower during a base jump event," he said.
Khairy, later passed the torch to Johor Youth, Sports, Culture and Committee chairman Datuk Zulkurnain Kamisan in the grounds of Muzium Tokoh.
In Johor, the KL2017 torch run will pass through six districts namely Johor Baru, Kulai ,Kluang, Batu Pahat, Muar and Tangkak.
The highlight of the run will be in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur between Aug 6 and 12.
The 29th SEA Games will take place between Aug 19 and 30, while the 9TH ASEAN Para Games will take place from Sept 17 to 23.