12/04/2025

SATURDAY | APR 12, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

Perak Sports Council opens hydrotherapy pools for athletes

Ű BY P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IPOH: The Perak Sports Council (MSN) became the pioneer sports entity in the country to build hydrotherapy pools for the benefit of injured athletes to recover and get back into action. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad officiated the launching ceremony of the RM1.92 million high-technology facility at the council’s premises here on Wednesday. It is equipped with two pools, one hot and the other cold, both with a depth of 1.4 metres. Each pool can accommodate ten to 12 persons. “The facility is a strategic investment to enhance rehabilitation and recovery process through scientific and clinical methods,” Saarani said in his speech. “The pool is not only a facility to recover from injuries, but also to speed up rehabilitation of muscle tissues and place less pressure on joints. “The process will improve physical strength and prepare athletes mentally to face competitions on local and international arenas.“ Saarani also launched the new logo of the council, and presented mock cheques totalling RM125,000 for 45 sports associations and the Persatuan Sukan dan Rekreasi OKU Negeri Perak. The grant is to help the associations in their administrative functions with the view to bolster the development of a dynamic sports ecosystem. Meanwhile, Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Executive Councillor Khairudin Abu Hanipah, who was

present, said: “The pools are not additional facilities but provide an important rehabilitation process to enhance the athletes’ performances to optimum level. “They will also improve blood circulation so that the athletes will be able to return to training as usual. “That the council became the first to build such pools goes to show the commitment by the state government to prepare sophisticated facilities in line with other international sports centres,“ he added. He thanked the state government, as well as other departments and agencies such as the state Finance Office, state Economic Planning Unit and Public Works Department for their assistance in making the project a success. o Facility provides process to rehabilitate state’s sports competitors to optimum level

Saarani (2nd left) says the pools would support recovery through scientific and clinical methods. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN

Firefighter departs on mission to ascend Mt Everest for charity SEPANG: Several well-wishers and members of the Fire and Rescue Department recently gathered at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s departure terminal to see off Mohd Fakhrul Munir Mohd Isa who is on a mission to scale Mount Everest.

“I am physically and mentally ready to climb Mount Everest. This is the best time for me,” he said. Also present at the airport was the department’s director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad The project aims to raise funds to help firefighters who were injured or killed in the line of duty, as well as those who are still in service. It also aims to raise funds for kidney transplant surgeries and treatment, as well as heighten awareness among the public to become kidney donors, while raising educational funds for the Al Baghdadi Foundation. Supported by the department’s leadership, the project is organised by the Kosmopolitan Adventure Club, Gedung Penawar Sdn Bhd, and Kumpulan AL Baghdadi Group Sdn Bhd. To raise funds, Mohd Fakhrul Munir has also launched a charity sale of 1-kg fire extinguishers along with items such as T-shirts and durable hats. “I hope Malaysians will continue to support this effort. Every contribution will benefit the firefighters who sacrifice themselves for the sake of national security. Together, we can bring about change,“ he said. Malaysians are invited to continue to support this noble effort for the welfare of firefighters and the spirit of volunteerism among the community.

The senior fire officer is undertaking the quest to ascend the world’s highest peak for the “Mencari Hati Emas” 2025 Firefighters Charity Climbing Project. He boarded a Malaysia Airlines flight to Kathmandu after undergoing intensive training sessions for three years, which included climbing Mount Kinabalu. Last February, he successfully conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which is 5,895 metres above sea level. The experience in Kilimanjaro helped him adapt to the altitude, especially in terms of breathing, appetite and sleep patterns. “Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal, I will do a few climbs first to get used to the altitude and avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS),”he said at the airport. “I am expected to be in Nepal for two months before starting the climb to Mount Everest and will wait for the best weather and permission from the sherpas before continuing the climb to the summit.” He said the highland activities also helped him to adapt to high altitude climbing.

BNM Museum and Art Gallery unveils dual exhibition Shaik Abdul Rasheed (5th left) launches the exhibitions with governors of central banks of Asean countries.

replicas from Asean countries. ‘Palette and Pen’ explores the dynamic interplay between art and literature, featuring over 150 artworks from Malaysia and the other countries. Visitors will experience poetic texts merged with visual forms, music, film and illustrations that adapt literary works. There will also be some rare artworks from Asean countries on display. “BNM MAG exhibitions are not just displays. They are gateways to understanding the meaningful stories and shared histories that bind Asean together through currency and arts,” said gallery director Noreen Zulkepli. “The ‘Numismatic Marvel’ and ‘Palette and Pen’exhibitions prove that culture has the power to bridge gaps and create dialogues that resonate across time.” Both exhibitions feature photo-worthy corners and interactive activities for an engaging cultural experience for all visitors. Additionally, special merchandise inspired by the exhibitions will be available at the Museum Shop, allowing guests to take home a piece of the experience. The exhibitions will be open to the public until October 12.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery (BNM MAG) opened two exhibitions, ‘Numismatic Marvel: Minted History, Printed Heritage’ and ‘Palette and Pen’, in conjunction with the 12th Asean Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting that took place here this week. The exhibitions were launched on Wednesday, graced by the presence of the ten governors from Asean to symbolise regional unity and collaboration. Present was BNM governor Datuk Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour. ‘Numismatic Marvel’ explores the evolution of currency, showcasing the world’s first coin, the first banknote discovered in the seventh century, and cowrie shells which served as money as early as 2,000 BC. It also brings to life the stories of 18 ancient kingdoms within Southeast Asia through coins and banknotes, alongside an ‘Asean Marketplace’ diorama depicting famous market spots today. Visitors will also gain insights into the cultural exchanges that have shaped the region and have the chance to see some rare artefacts or

Mohd Fakhrul (centre) bidding goodbye while accompanied by Nor Hisham (right) at the departure lobby.