21/03/2026

SATURDAY | MAR 21, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Radio station records own Raya song for loyal listeners o Lively composition titled ‘ Raya Milik Kita Semua ’ sung by Sandakan FM staff Lin Wunfu Silas (back row, centre) and other Sandakan FM staff during the post-production phase of the music video. Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IPOH: The Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang continued its tradition of bringing festive joy to the needy by treating 47 children from an orphanage on a Hari Raya shopping spree at Mydin Supermarket here on March 15. The children from the Pertubuhan Badan Kebajikan Anak Anak Yatim Darussalam in Kampung Melayu, Sungai Rapat, were elated to get a chance to gain new possessions of their choice for the celebration. Among the items they got were shoes, baju melayu, shirts, songkok and pants to enable them be dressed in their best attire for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Each recipient was entitled to between RM180 and RM200 to purchase the items. Kelab president Ismail Mohamed Yusoff said this was the fiftieth year that it has sponsored items for those living in orphanages. “This year we selected Mydin Supermarket for shopping as the children have many choices and options while the prices are affordable,” he said. “We were also given a discount by the supermarket as support for our efforts.” Takaful Ikhlas gave RM3,000 to the Kelab as the company’s contribution for the event. “We appreciate the assistance by the Takaful and Mydin Supermarket managements which would allow the children to celebrate in a joyful mood,” Ismail said. Takaful’s associate director for the Ipoh region Azhar Abd Rahman presented a mock cheque to Ismail during the event. Azhar said this was the second year Takaful had joined hands to celebrate Raya with members of the orphanage. “We hope to continue with our support to help the less fortunate,“ he added. Club organises Raya shopping spree for orphanage kids Ű P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KOTA special commemoration for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Sandakan FM has produced its own original festive song titled “ Raya Milik Kita Semua ” (A Raya for All of Us). The local radio station in eastern Sabah undertook the creative effort as a heartfelt tribute to loyal listeners who have been the backbone of its popularity and success. The song was entirely composed, written and arranged by Sandakan FM’s broadcasting manager Lin Wunfu Silas who wanted to show appreciation to listeners who have consistently given their unwavering support for its programmes. More than just a festive tune, it was a token of gratitude from the entire radio team, celebrating the strong bond between the station and its audience throughout the past year. According to a statement from Sandakan FM, the song was created to enliven the Hari Raya celebrations enjoyed by the diverse communities across the Sandakan district, reflecting the harmonious spirit of the area. The production of the song also aligned with Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s (RTM) KINABALU: As a

production phase of producing a music video, which is expected to feature local scenery and possibly some familiar faces from the community. This aims to further enhance the festive atmosphere while visually capturing the song’s theme of togetherness. Sandakan FM broadcasts news, talk shows and music in Malay on 90.1 FM in Sandakan and other frequencies in nearby towns.

broader role, which is not only to disseminate information but also to serve as a bridge for unity, the voice of the people, and the pulse of the community through its broadcasts. The recording process, which took two days, was conducted at the Sandakan FM office. The song was performed by staff of the radio station. The station is currently in the post

The excited and merry children at Mydin Supermarket after making their selections for the festive occasion. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/SUNPIC

Saree walkathon flutters with fun, elegance and empowerment

KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated Saree Walkathon 2026 held at the Perdana Botanical Garden here on International Women’s Day recently drew enthusiastic participation from more than 1,000 women. It turned out to be a unique celebration of culture, unity, wellness and women’s empowerment. Participants proudly walked in traditional sarees with varieties of draping, colours and patterns symbolising the harmonious blend of heritage and modern lifestyle. The event was organised by Nutri Heart Malaysia, in partnership with the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre (NSCBICC). Chief guest Senator Saraswathy Kandasami lauded the initiative to promote “ nari shakti ” (women power), emphasising the vital role women play in shaping families, communities and nation. “It was not only a wonderful event, but also a meaningful and necessary one that showcased women, especially Indian women, in the timeless elegance of the saree,” she said. “The coming together of Indian women from across the world marks another important milestone in strengthening our shared cultural identity, heritage and unity. “Such gatherings remind us that when women stand together, cultures flourish and communities

grow stronger.” What made the occasion additionally impressive was the presence of women from various nationalities and races enthusiastically walking in flamboyant sarees. Guest of honour Lalita Devi Reddy, wife of the Indian high commissioner, spoke about the importance of women prioritising their health and well-being. She highlighted the benefits of yoga, mindful eating and healthy lifestyle practices. NSCBICC director Vijayalakshmy Sunderrajan highlighted the centre’s commitment to promoting Indian culture through such innovative Women of various cultures and nationalities were in exuberant mood at the event. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Participants having a flamboyant start as Saraswathy (in white saree) does the flag-off. With her are Roopali (right), Lalita Devi (3rd right) and Vijayalakshmy (4th right) – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

International Women’s Day. The centre’s yoga instructor Dhanista Samariya conducted a yoga warm-up session that energised participants before the official flag-off. Her students later presented a rhythmic yoga performance at the end of the programme.

events that combine heritage with health awareness. Event organiser Roopali Tegginmani, founder of Nutri Heart, thanked the NSCBICC as well as the participants and partners for coming together in such a powerful and inspiring way to celebrate