03/11/2025

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‘Ironman’ Saddiq wins RM1 million for Muar

No surrender for ex-athlete in triple-cancer battle

LANGKAWI: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman brought home RM1 million in contributions for the welfare of his constituents after completing the Ironman Malaysia Championship in Langkawi yesterday in under 13 hours. The 32-year-old former youth and sports minister completed the gruelling race, which comprised a 3.8km swim, 180km cycling segment and 42.2km run, in a total time of 12 hours, 22 minutes and 18 seconds. “I came here with one goal – to secure RM1 million for Muar. “ Alhamdulillah , I managed to finish in under 13 hours, so now Prima Valet must fulfil its promise of donating RM1 million for food banks, laptops and festive clothing. “I will do whatever it takes to ensure the welfare of my people is well cared for. Even though I vomited several times, I was determined to finish because the people of Muar were always on my mind and I would never disappoint them,” he told reporters after completing the event. He said the running segment was the most challenging for him because of his physical discomfort, but he was pleased to have improved his timing compared with last year’s 13 hours, 13 minutes and 50 seconds. “I joined this event to test my physical and mental limits. Earlier, I wondered why I was putting myself through such pain, but once I crossed the finish line, I told myself I will join again next year. “If given the strength, perhaps even at the age of 100, I will continue taking part in triathlon sports, as I want to ensure my body and mind remain active – because to be a leader, whether in politics or otherwise, one must always be strong.” Earlier, local fashion company Prima Valet had pledged to contribute RM1 million to Muar residents if Syed Saddiq managed to complete the Ironman Malaysia Championship in under 13 hours. – Bernama

IPOH: Although doctors have informed him that only 30% of his airway is working, a former teacher and ex-athlete refuses to give up his fight against stage four lung cancer. For 45-year-old Nassry Mardee Ismail, fondly called Cikgu E, the fight against kidney, glandular and lung cancers since March last year has reached a crucial stage. Still, he clings to hope and keeps fighting to breathe for the sake of his beloved wife and five children. The father of three daughters and two sons, aged between eight and 19, said he now spends 24 hours a day sitting upright and relying on oxygen support. Once a marathon runner, he now faces a daunting financial hurdle, needing an additional RM200,000 for his double

the simplest tasks, such as going to the bathroom. Nassry said his greatest source of strength is his family’s unwavering support, especially from his wife, Azlina Mohd Ali, 45, who is also a teacher and uses the government guarantee facility to help cover her husband’s cancer medication at government hospitals. In a poignant revelation, he said his youngest son, Nassrul Hafeez, just eight years old, has given up his morning religious classes to care for him at home. Known for his cheerful spirit and sense of humour, Nassry makes a conscious effort to maintain his lighthearted demeanour, hoping to lift the spirits of friends who drop by. “We don’t want our friends to be sad. We don’t want them to come and see us only to feel down. “I treat them as friends visiting a friend, not someone visiting a sick person,” he said, adding that he receives visits from friends almost daily. He also said each cycle of double immunotherapy treatment costs RM29,424 every three weeks and he will need a total of 17 cycles to complete the treatment. “Thinking of (my family) brings me peace. “It reminds me to keep giving my all to live,” said Nassry, who regularly shares his health journey with others on social media. Members of the public who wish to help ease Nassry’s financial burden may channel contributions to his Maybank account number 58220621223. – Bernama

o With only a third of his airway functioning, former marathon runner faces mounting medical costs as he enters crucial treatment phase

(acceptance) as a sign of surrender. “It means that whatever needs to be done will be done . We listen to the doctors and follow their advice. We try our very best,” said Nassry, who also lost his mother and eldest brother to kidney cancer. He reflected on how his once vibrant life has been transformed. He once ran 10km at a brisk pace, but now needs assistance for even

immunotherapy treatment, as his RM300,000 takaful insurance falls short of the RM500,000 total cost. “Honestly, I’ve already come to terms with it. I truly accept whatever may happen,” he said in an interview with Bernama at his home. Nassry said although doctors warned that his airway could be completely blocked within three weeks, as he was informed last week, he does not view his redha

Nassry with his wife and eight-year-old son. The former athlete now spends 24 hours a day sitting upright and relying on oxygen support. – BERNAMAPIC

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