06/06/2026

SATURDAY | JUNE 6, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

K LANG: In a display of unity, compassion and community spirit, the Rotary Club of Klang Valley, together with the Multiple Sclerosis Society Malaysia (MSSM) and the Rotary Club of Klang Central, held a special project in conjunction with World Multiple Sclerosis Day The event on May 30, called “Ride for Hope 2026: Mobilising Awareness and Support for Multiple Sclerosis in Malaysia”, was supported by the Malaysian Medical Association and Malaysian Society of Neurosciences. “We are heartened by the overwhelming support shown through Ride for Hope 2026,” said MSSM president Rizal Aminuddin. “Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be overwhelming and isolating. This community-driven initiative not only raises awareness, but also elevates understanding of the unpredictable disease, reinforcing hope for MS warriors, caregivers and their families. “Educating the community about MS is essential because it dispels myths, creates a supportive and inclusive environment for those affected to stay active in society.” Superbikers, Rotarians, NGOs and the public gathered to raise awareness about MS, a chronic autoimmune neurological disease affecting individuals and families. The participation by superbikers helped amplify awareness on MS and demonstrated how communities from different backgrounds can come together to create hope and positive impact for those in need.

Ride for Hope in solidarity with multiple sclerosis awareness o Superbikers, Rotarians, NGOs and general public gather to raise awareness about neurological disease

“For many years, people living with MS in Malaysia have faced not only the challenges of the disease, but also a lack of awareness and understanding from society. “Every conversation started today is a step towards early diagnosis, stronger support systems and a more inclusive future for MS patients and their families,” said MSSM founder Padma Panikker. “Proactive education about the disease is vital, and stigma associated with MS must be eliminated by normalising the conversation and building resilient support networks,” added Rotary Club of Klang Valley organising chair Shanthi Thiruchelvam. The Ride for Hope reached its conclusion at Montfort Boys Town in Shah Alam. As of early 2026, an estimated 2.9 million people are living with multiple sclerosis worldwide, with rising prevalence rates over the past three decades.

The bikers revving up their machines for a good cause while being flagged off.

Religious tourism mooted to strengthen economy of Bentong town

BENTONG: Religious tourism has significant potential to strengthen the position of Bentong as a tourism destination while contributing to local economic growth, according to Tourism Board deputy director Samuel T.H. Lee. He said the government continues to support Buddhist and other religious bodies in promoting tourism-related activities and events, recognising their role in attracting visitors and enriching the tourism offerings of the country. “Religious tourism presents substantial opportunities for future growth,” he said at the Wesak Day celebration organised by Kechara Forest Retreat here last Sunday. “It not only attracts visitors but also promotes cultural understanding and meaningful spiritual experiences.” He added that Kechara Forest Retreat is well-positioned to become a leading destination for spiritual and religious tourism in Malaysia. Through stronger collaboration among stakeholders and strategic tourism initiatives, he said Bentong could further enhance its appeal to both domestic and international visitors seeking faith-based and cultural experiences. The strong turnout at this year’s Wesak Day celebration reflects the growing interest in

religious tourism activities, he added. According to Lee, an estimated 80% to 90% of visitors travelled from outside Bentong. Event organisers estimated that approximately 2,500 people attended the celebration. Lee said attractions such as Kechara Forest Retreat have helped place Bentong on Malaysia’s tourism map, particularly as a destination for spiritual retreats and religious experiences, complementing the existing attractions of the district. Earlier, Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia vice-president Thong Jiunn Perng said the founder of the organisation, the late H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, had advocated universal tolerance, harmony and mutual respect, values that inspired this year’s Wesak theme, “Compassion for All”. In light of this, Kechara introduced its first-ever Wesak Day Pet Blessing, aimed at encouraging greater compassion towards animals and living beings. The celebration also featured a Green Market organised in collaboration with Veg-Hub, local vendors and entrepreneurs to promote sustainability, vegetarianism, mindful living and community engagement.

Participants of Pause & Pace 2026 found it

an inspiring morning of movement, connection and mental health awareness.

Fun walk promotes compassionate, mentally healthy community

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) recently organised the Pause & Pace 2026 fun walk aimed at promotong mental health awareness, emotional wellbeing and community support. The meaningful and engaging public initiative brought together individuals, families, corporate partners and the wider community in a safe and supportive environment. The occasion was meant to encourage and enable conversations surrounding mental health while promoting self-care, mindfulness and healthy lifestyles. Pause & Pace was held in collaboration with Hong Leong Assurance at Taman Tasik Danau Kota here on April 16. The event also featured various interactive booths and activities focused on mental wellbeing, including mental health screening, mindfulness-based activities and educational engagement sessions. More than a 3.6km walk, it offered a safe and welcoming space to slow down, reconnect and

prioritise wellbeing through mindfulness sessions, yoga and a financial resilience talk. In a Facebook post, MMHA described it as “an inspiring morning of movement, connection and mental health awareness.” “Every step taken reflected our shared commitment to creating a more compassionate and mentally healthy community,” it said. “Together, we paused, paced ourselves, and walked with purpose.” According to MMHA, there is a growing need for mental health literacy and support skills in the community to help support those experiencing mental health difficulties. The association is providing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), which it says is a trained skill everyone should possess. MHFA is a skills-based early-intervention training programme, equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, connect and respond to mental health problems or crises.

Lee (2nd right) and Thong (3rd right) visiting a Kechara Soup

Kitchen station.