13/06/2026

SATURDAY | JUNE 13, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

D UNGUN: What began as a simple effort to bring the “fun run” experience to rural communities evolved into a broader platform as the fourth edition of the Dungun Sarong Fun Run featured added value beyond the race itself. Originally aimed at giving residents in rural Dungun, Terengganu, the opportunity to participate in events typically held in major cities, the event this year went a step further by offering free health screenings and a range of essential services to participants and the local community. The initiative, driven by social responsibility, also played a role in narrowing the rural health gap, an issue often linked to limited access to information and healthcare services. It saw a total of 1,200 participants competing in the 5km run that started at Taman Tasik Sura. Event director Amran Abdullah said the idea was sparked by the participation of senior citizens in previous editions, and feedback revealed that many had never checked their health status prior to engaging in physical activities. “Previously, this event was purely about giving rural communities access to the fun run experience without having to travel to bigger cities. “For this edition, in collaboration with a clinic, we provided free health screenings and direct health advisory services to everyone present,” he said. Amran added that recent health related incidents at sporting events also prompted organisers to introduce preventive measures, allowing

Dungun Sarong Fun Run features free health screening

o Annual event attracts 1,200 participants from various age groups, including senior citizens

participants to better understand their health condition and reduce potential risks. In addition to health services, several agencies, including the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and the Civil Defence Force, were present to offer services that are often less accessible to rural communities due to distance constraints. The event also featured a range of family-oriented side activities such as colouring contests, a children’s costume competition and a lucky draw, attracting strong participation from attendees. Participants and visitors responded positively, noting that the event has grown beyond just a recreational run. “For those of us living far from Dungun town, distance and time are often barriers to getting health check ups. I hope this event continues in the coming years, not just for me but for everyone who comes with their families,” said Zamri Ghani, who travelled nearly 80 km from Bukit Besi.

The use of sarong and kain pelikat by participants continues to define the unique identity of the Dungun Sarong Fun Run in its fourth edition.

Rotary club in Batu Pahat launches ‘Healthcare Buddy 2.0’ initiative

BATU PAHAT: A community healthcare initiative named Your Healthcare Buddy 2.0 was organised by the Rotary Satellite Club of Batu Pahat – Insight on May 31 at BP Mall here. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this second instalment expanded its scope and scale, and was jointly conducted with Community Madani Penggaram and DAP Wanita under the programme titled 531 Health Screening and Blood Donation. The event provided comprehensive and free basic health screenings and consultations to the public. It attracted strong participation from community members of all age groups. Many attendees shared that the programme not only enhanced their understanding of their own health but also increased awareness of preventive healthcare. Senior citizens, in particular, expressed appreciation for the accessibility of professional and complimentary health screening services. The initiative brought together a team of professional Rotarian healthcare practitioners and volunteers to deliver five core health services – eye, dental, hearing, mental and

physio care. All services were provided by members of the club free of charge, with no commercial elements involved. Charter president and organising chair Angeline Hoo said Your Healthcare Buddy is a flagship initiative of the club. She emphasised that the club is committed to continuing and expanding the initiative to foster a healthier and more health-conscious community, in which caring for one’s wellbeing becomes a daily habit. Vice-president Dr Siti Salmiah Mohd Yunus, the organising vice-chair, highlighted the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the female members of the club, who worked tirelessly to serve the community. She expressed optimism about reaching more people and making an even greater impact. Secretary Teng Pei Xin, also the organising vice-chair, shared that the club is made up of a team of ten young female professionals in the healthcare field united by a shared vision to protect community health. The club looks forward to working hand in hand with the community to contribute towards a healthier Batu Pahat.

Some of the dancers pose with Gopalan (3rd right) and Nachemutu (2nd right). – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN Classical dance show raises funds for intellectually disabled group

Ű P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He added that the dance school would focus on assisting children and promoting educational opportunities to create an inclusive and empowering environment for future generations. The Indian classical dance group returned to where its journey began five decades ago after its golden jubilee in Kuala Lumpur. The academy was founded in Ipoh in 1974 specifically for Bharatanatyam . The dancers presented Naatya Seva , a nostalgic homecoming performance which highlighted the journey of Meera Venugopal who has choreographed 272 set items and pieces over a span of 35 years, a testament to her creativity and enduring passion for the art. Five dancers, three musicians and Meera herself delivered a dynamic musical experience that captivated the audience and highlighted the richness of the classical tradition. The Sanskrit term “naatya” refers to the expressive art of dance while“seva“ signifies selfless service. The combination embodies a dual purpose of dance offered as a form of devotion and service. It reflects the academy’s goal in nurturing dedication to the divine art among students while instilling the spirit of service in their lives.

IPOH: A performance by a group dancers from Bharatha Kalaanjalii Malaysia, one of the oldest dance schools in the country, recently generated funds for the Perak Association for Intellectually Disabled (Pafid). The troupe, based in Petaling Jaya, performed at the Perak Culture and Arts Auditorium at Jalan Raja Di Hilir here on May 30. A contribution of RM10,000 was presented by the school’s director S. Venugopal to the association’s exco member Gopalan Achuthan Nair. Also present was the association’s president Bryan K.S. Tan. Pafid is a charitable organisation founded to provide for the educational needs, vocational training and rehabilitation of the intellectually disabled in Perak. Organising chairman K. Nachemutu said: “The strong turnout underscored the collective spirit of giving and the community’s commitment to uplifting those in need. “The academy has reaffirmed its dedication to organising similar initiatives in the future to support underprivileged communities.”

Members and volunteers are committed to expand the initiative further.