16/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 16, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Poignant 111th Anzac Day observance at Tugu Negara

KUALA LUMPUR: Australia recently marked the 111th anniversary of Anzac Day in Malaysia, with High Commissioner Danielle Heinecke leading a dawn service at Tugu Negara. Along with the New Zealand High Commission, Australia commemorated Anzac Day – one of the most sacred days in the Australian calendar – with commemorative services across Malaysia, including in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. Heinecke described the occasion as a “powerful reminder” of the lessons of past conflicts, and the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation in safeguarding peace. “I am especially mindful that this year’s Sandakan commemorations come as communities recover from a tragic fire. “I extend my condolences to the people of Sabah and recognise the bravery of the first responders, as we honour the service and sacrifice of people of all stripes who work to keep communities safe.” Anzac Day services are traditionally held at the breaking of dawn on April 25 across the world, marking the 1915 landings of the Australian and New Zealand army corps (Anzac) in Gallipoli, Türkiye during World War I, and honouring all those who have served and sacrificed. In Malaysia, Anzac Day has also become an occasion to reflect on the enduring defence PETALING JAYA: Children at the Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Yatim/Miskin Rukaiyah in Kajang were overjoyed when they were treated to a “Hari Raya Wish Tree” event by IOIPG Foundation on April 18. It marked the second year of engagement with the home by the charity arm of IOI Properties Group (IOIPG). Gifts amounting to RM14,166 provided by Team IOI and the public, and contributed by the foundation, benefitted 45 children at the shelter. They consisted of 20 boys and 25 girls aged between seven and 18. Their 13 caretakers also took part in the event. “IOIPG’s late founder, Tan Sri Dr Lee Shin Cheng, started from humble beginnings but he strived hard to achieve success. “You should always be determined to overcome hardships, and remember that through education, you can build a better future,” said IOIPG Group Corporate Communication head Kim Teoh said in her opening remarks. The event then

o Australian high commissioner stresses importance of dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation to safeguard peace

Labuan to support resistance efforts in the last days of the war. Tragically, in August that same year, more than 1,700 Australian service personnel died in the Sandakan Death Marches – a sacrifice honoured each year at Sandakan Day commemorations on Aug 15. This year commemorates the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Kota Bharu, the first major battle of the Pacific War. It also marks 60 years of peace since the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, during which about 3,500 Australians served. These pages of history have paved the way for today’s close defence and security relationship under the Australia-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Since the end of World War II, over 70,000 Australian Defence Force personnel have served or trained in Malaysia, including under the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and 5,000 Malaysians have done similarly in Australia. Heinecke with New Zealand High Commissioner Michael Wehi Mailetonga Walsh at the event.

Some of the officials and veterans who participated in the commemoration.

partnership between Australia and Malaysia. In 1945, Australian Special Forces landed in Bario, Sarawak, as part of Operation Semut, to

help build the local community’s resilience at the end of World War II. This was followed by the June 1945 landing of Australian forces in

IOIPG Foundation Hari Raya Wish Tree treat at shelter for children

Family hit by dire hardship and illnesses

IPOH: Three members of a family at Taman Ampang here who are facing severe hardship and suffering from long-term illnesses and limited mobility urgently need public assistance. Ng Chee Leong, 46, was diagnosed with brain astrophy about 20 years ago. His condition worsened over the years and since 2017, he has been bedridden and fully dependent on others for daily care. His father died a few years ago in a traffic collision. Currently, he is being cared by his mother, 83-year-old Foo Saw Yong, along with his two sisters, both of whom also have mobility issues. One of the sisters, Ng Yeat Phing, 55, underwent brain surgery in 2020 and requires continuous physiotherapy. She is mobility-impaired and registered as a person with disability. The other, 63-year-old Ng Ű BY P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

To up, all participants gathered for a hearty lunch prepared by the foundation, which is dedicated to carrying on the philanthropic legacy of Lee by supporting underprivileged children in need and encouraging them to perform well in their studies and strive for betterment. Launched in 2024, the IOIPG Foundation Wish Tree has been held during festive seasons, including Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas, aimed at benefitting underprivileged children from orphanages by fulfiling their wishes for school essentials and donating daily necessities to the homes. Since the programme was introduced, IOIPG Foundation has contributed approximately RM77,250, which has benefitted about 150 children. On Feb 28, IOIPG Foundation hosted its Chinese New Year Wish Tree celebration, contributing RM7,651.50 to House of Love (Pertubuhan Rumah Anak Yatim Berkat Kasih), where 26 orphans are cared for by 10 caretakers. wrap

Appealing for aid and support to deal with the family’s dire straits are (from left) Yeat Phing, Yuen, Chee Leong (in wheelchair), Perak MCA Crisis Relief Squad leader Soong Wai Chiew and Foo. – PIC COURTESY OF MCA

proceeded to the gift presentation session, with the children receiving gifts and duit raya . The excitement continued as they took part in a balloon relay race, in which the winning team was given the choice to pick their reward through a lucky draw.

receiving an appeal, we contacted several nursing homes and disability care centres. “However, due to Chee Leong’s severe limited mobility, suitable facilities are limited and the costs are generally high, making them unaffordable. “We visited the family to assess the situation and will continue to monitor them to seek assistance,“he added. They are in urgent need of adult milk powder and diapers (size XL). He appealed to the public, corporate sector and charitable organisations to extend their support. For further information contact Yuen at 017-589 3328.

Yeat Sim, suffers from limited mobility in both legs and is unable to assume heavy caregiving responsibilities. The family relies soley on monthly aid from the Welfare Department to survive. Foo receives RM600, while Yeat Phing and Chee Leong get RM300 each, all of which is insufficient to cover basic living expenses. Additionally, Chee Leong requires continuous home-based physiotherapy costing approximately RM800 to RM1,000 per month, over three or four sessions every week, which places a heavy financial strain on the family. Perak MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau head Yuen Chan How said: “Upon

The children posing for a group photo during the event.