By Prakash Velloo

A special mass aerobics session ushered the 60 th Merdeka Day celebrations in style at Evergreen Laurel Hotel compound in Georgetown on Sunday.

This event which attracted about 200 participants from all ages was organized by Penang Fitness Association in collaboration with Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang.

President of Penang Fitness Association, Jeorge Subramaniam said, “We are pleased that more than 200 people have turned up this year. We have organized aerobics sessions for the public in conjunction with Merdeka Day since 1992”.

“Our aerobics sessions have been organized at Penang Municipal Park all the while but this year we decided to change the venue to Evergreen Laurel Hotel which faces Gurney Drive, one of the most visited tourist spots in Penang to attract more participants,” he added. The organisers also gave away lucky draw goodie bags and vouchers to the winners while Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang sponsored breakfast for the participants during the event
which lasted from 8 to 9 am.

This event is one of the many attractions in Penang to welcome the Merdeka Day celebrations which marks the 60 th anniversary of independence on 31 August this year.

Among the other highlights in Penang in conjunction with Merdeka Day celebrations include the annual Merdeka Day Parade with more than 150 contingents representing various government agencies and others taking part at Esplanade at 8.30am on Merdeka Day.

Penang Street Food Festival will also be another highlight from 1-2 September from 5-11pm at Beach Street where more than 100 hawker stalls will feature a selection of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines from the mainland and the island.