24/05/2025

SATURDAY | MAY 24, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

New society to empower ovarian cancer survivors

PETALING JAYA: The Ovarian Cancer Society Malaysia (OCSM) was launched recently together with its pioneering ROAM programme, which stands for “Returning Ovarian Cancer survivors to Activities of daily living through Movement”. The programme, a first in Malaysia, is designed to assist ovarian cancer survivors in rebuilding their strength, mobility and independence through natural movement based rehabilitation. Rooted in the principles of Natural Movement, ROAM empowers women to regain coordination, alleviate pain and restore confidence in their ability to move and function in daily routines, working towards physical longevity and movement independence. The programme is a collaborative effort between the OCSM and Breakfree Movement. The latter is dedicated to “transformative movement programmes” that assist individuals in overcoming physical and mental limitations. The dual launch, held at Breakfree Movement’s studio in Jaya One here, was officiated by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. She lauded the initiative as an inspiring example of empowerment, dignity and community reintegration for women recovering from ovarian cancer. “I am especially proud to lend my support to the ROAM programme, which harnesses the power of natural movement and practical fitness to restore mobility confidence and independence to ovarian cancer survivors,” she said. Yeoh also announced a grant of RM30,000 to the society as seed funding for future programmes. OCSM president Lau Wai Min@Iren Lau, an ovarian cancer survivor herself, said the non profit organisation’s primary objective is to elevate awareness of the disease, the fifth leading cancer among women in Malaysia. “OCSM further aims to empower all cancer thrivers to thrive amidst pain and adversity, enabling them to continue living their fullest, brightest lives, regardless of their challenges. “The experience with movements that are practical to everyday life has been incredibly empowering for us thrivers, as we witness improvements in our strength, mobility and Kadazan teacher wins cultural pageant in Beluran BELURAN: Kadazan language teacher Raraa Rini Aswanda Jukilin was crowned as the Beluran Unduk Ngadau 2025. The 25-year-old lass took home a trophy, crown, bouquet, cash prize of RM5,000, Gosing Art products, a Labuk patterned bag and certificate. Organised by the Kadazandusun Cultural Association’s (KDCA) Labuk branch, the district-level Unduk Ngadau was held at the Beluran multi-purpose hall on May 10. “I am deeply grateful for this extraordinary opportunity,” Raraa Rini said in her speech. “This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who supported me. “This is not the end, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to elevate the voice and spirit of the Dusun Labuk Beluran community.” Research assistant Caesyzizi Liakim, 24, and clerk Paula Kristine Babango, 28, emerged as first and second runners-up. They each won a trophy, crown, bouquet, Gosing Art products, certificate, and RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is a centrepiece of the Kaamatan Festival, celebrating not just beauty but also the cultural heritage and spirit of the Kadazandusun people. Contestants are judged on cultural knowledge, character and communication skills. Raraa Rini will represent Beluran at the national contest in Penampang next week. – BY JOSHUA CHANG

o Non-profit organisation supports cancer thrivers live their fullest amid adversity

Yeoh (centre) holds an artwork at the dual launch. Also with her are Lau (standing 3rd right) and Woo (seated 2nd right in centre row).

battling cancer, it is crucial to ensure that these added years are healthy and fulfilling,” she said. “The ability to move freely and independently is central to this. Hence, the inception of ROAM.”

University Malaya Medical Centre, stressed on looking beyond surgery and chemotherapy, and prioritising life after medical treatment. “As new medical therapies emerge with the aim of extending the lifespan of individuals

flexibility,” Lau said. “We have also experienced a reduction in pain caused by the side effects of chemotherapy.” OCSM special adviser Prof Woo Yin Ling, a consultant gynaecological oncologist at

Sepilok centre focused on conservation of sun bears

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sepilok continues to promote the conservation of sun bears while providing rehabilitation for those rescued from illegal captivity. The centre is equipped with key facilities including an observation platform, boardwalk and a visitor centre. It also holds educational and informative talks on bears for visitors. On May 16, BSBCC celebrated the 9th International Sun Bear Day, emphasising the role of conservation education in connecting humans with other species in the natural world. The theme for this year’s International Sun Bear Day is “Conservation Education: Bridging People and Wildlife“, BSBCC founder Dr Wong Siew Te said. He explained that the International Sun Bear Day, first celebrated on May 16, 2015, commemorates the release of the first rehabilitated sun bear, Natalie, at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. More than 100 students and teachers from local schools took part in a series of activities held in conjunction with this year’s celebration. “The existence of sun bears is often misunderstood, even among Malaysians,” Wong said. “As the smallest among the eight living bear species in the world, they are a unique part of Malaysia’s natural heritage. However, habitat loss and illegal hunting have led to a decline in their numbers.“ He added that since its establishment in 2008, the BSBCC has rescued 70 sun bears, of which 13

Wong giving a talk on the significance of the sun bear, the smallest living bear species in the world, to Malaysia’s natural heritage. FACEBOOK PIC

operations, with over RM3.5 million generated annually from visitor contributions. “Wildlife conservation and eco-tourism are interconnected. The more visitors we attract, the more funding we have to protect these bears and their habitats,“ he said.

have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Two young bears are currently undergoing a “soft release” process to be gradually introduced back to the forest. Wong also emphasised the importance of wildlife tourism in sustaining the centre’s