04/04/2026

SATURDAY | APR 4, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Senior on 2,200km run for childhood cancer awareness

GEORGE Cancer awareness advocate and runner Lim Shyang Guey has launched Run For Gold, a 2,200-kilometre run across Peninsular Malaysia, aimed at raising awareness and funds for children battling cancer. Funds raised will also be channelled to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) which is supporting the initiative, specifically for childhood cancer support services such as the Home of Hope, psychosocial care and survivorship programmes. NCSM currently runs these services across Penang, Perak and Kuala Lumpur. The run began on March 28 from the NCSM–MBPP Home of Hope at Rose Avenue in Penang. Lim is on a journey around Peninsular Malaysia, passing through all 11 states and federal TOWN:

united by a shared purpose to raise awareness and support for children affected by cancer. “Events like today are crucial because they bring visibility to an issue that is often overlooked. “They remind us that childhood cancer is not rare, and that early detection, timely intervention and sustained support can make a life-saving difference.” Lim plans to stay primarily at shared accomodations, home stays or with local hosts, allowing him to connect closely with people along the route. These interactions will provide opportunities to share messages about cancer awareness while also listening to the experiences of individuals and families affected by cancer. At major towns along the route, community engagement events will be organised in collaboration with NCSM, its supporters, caregivers, survivors and local communities. Run For Gold draws inspiration from the Gold Ribbon, the universal symbol for childhood cancer awareness. The gold ribbon represents the preciousness of children and symbolises the courage, strength and resilience of young patients and their families. The journey is also supported by IHH Healthcare. Along the route, Lim will receive fitness assessments and sports physiotherapy recovery support at selected IHH hospitals, helping him maintain his physical condition throughout the demanding trek. The initiative includes visits to selected cancer wards at IHH hospitals where he will get to meet patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals while sharing his message of hope and encouragement.

o Journey fulfils dream plan made with late wife before she succumbed to disease

Muhammad Kamil visiting a booth. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN

Carnival for people brims with activities

The couple had hoped to some day travel on foot around Peninsular Malaysia together. “This journey is driven by love, remembrance and the desire to make a difference. “My wife and I once dreamed of travelling around Peninsular Malaysia on foot,” said Lim. “After losing her to cancer, I felt compelled to complete this journey, not just for us, but for the children who are bravely fighting cancer every day.” Speaking at the event, NCSM president Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram said: “This event represents more than the start of a run; it marks the coming together of a community

territories, before returning in time to celebrate his 67th birthday on June 22. Over the course of the journey, the Penang-born runner plans to cover approximately 2,200 km, covering between 25 to 35 km daily with rest days in between. Based on the planned pace and route, the full trek is expected to take about 90 days. More than a physical challenge, the run carries deep personal meaning for Lim. The journey was originally a dream he had planned with his late wife, Joo Lee, who passed away due to cancer in August 2024 at the age of 63.

Ű P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IPOH: Some 3,000 people recently converged at a two-day carnival organised by the government as part of its community outreach to connect with the public while disseminating information on its programmes and policies. Apart from taking part in the various activities, the crowd also had the opportunity to purchase household goods at Rahmah Sales and Agro Madani Sales counters for discounted prices which would help ease pressures related to cost of living. The Karnival Kita Madani X Program Madani Rakyat 2.0 also gave people the chance to seek services and advice from government departments, agencies as well as various private companies, like those offering telecommunications services, at the many booths. Public briefings were also featured on current issues for people to have better understanding of government policies and initiatives. Free health screening, blood donation campaign, exhibitions, free change of engine oil for motorcycles were among other services available at the booths at the venue in the Institut Latihan Kementerian Kesihatan Sultan Azlan Shah Ulu Kinta. There were also colouring contests, e-sport competitions and a Senam Raya Madani, Meriahnya Raya competition to bring about the spirit of togetherness. The event was organised by the Information Department. It was officiated by the Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, political secretary to the Finance minister, on March 28. The Karnival Kita Madani is the department’s initiative in bringing government information to the local communities and providing a platform to help with deal and resolve people’s problems and issues face-to-face. It served as an early promotion for the Perak Madani Rakyat Programme scheduled from April 3 to 5 at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah, Meru, here.

Lim setting off on his journey across Peninsular Malaysia while being applauded by excited supporters. – PIC COURTESY OF NCSM

Descendants of southern Chinese clan gather for fellowship

Ű JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Speaking opening ceremony, organisers emphasised the importance of preserving Shunde’s rich cultural heritage while fostering closer economic and social connections among Shunde descendants worldwide. The two-day event featured networking sessions, cultural performances and business forums aimed at facilitating collaborations. The next conference will be hosted at Daliang in Guangdong, the ancestral home of many delegates, in 2028. Delegates expressed enthusiasm over the opportunity to reconnect with long-lost relatives and forge new friendships. For many, the gathering serves as a poignant reminder of their roots, with Daliang remaining a cherished point of origin that continues to unite Shunde descendants from all corners of the world across generations. at the

KOTA KINABALU: The 14th World Shunde Fellowship Conference officially opened on March 25 at the Fisherman’s Wharf Convention Centre in Macao, bringing together Shunde clansmen from around the world to strengthen ties and honour their shared heritage. The biennial event drew a total of 1,188 delegates, including 31 representatives from Malaysia. Among them, 15 delegates were from Sandakan. They were headed by Ho Sau Ping, chairperson of the Pertubuhan ShunTak Sabah. Also among the delegates was Thomas Lau Chi Keong, an advisor to the Sandakan ShunTak Association. Also known as Shuntak or Shun Te, Shunde refers to a district in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong.

Members of the Sandakan Shun Tak delegation at the event in Macao.