08/08/2026

SATURDAY | AUG 8, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Volunteers collect 6,000 discarded cigarettes

KOTA KINABALU: The World Blood Donor Day 2026 Sandakan celebration recently accorded recognition to the contributions of voluntary blood donors, and acknowledged the support of strategic partners in ensuring safe and sufficient supply of blood for patients in need. Organised by the Transfusion Medicine Department of Duchess of Kent Hospital Sandakan on Aug 1, the celebration was officiated by the its director Dr Mohd Fahmie Othman at its Dewan Selingan. Also present were its deputy medical director II Dr Siti Rahayu Sulaiman, the department head Dr C. Chew Khui Yei, representatives of government and private agencies, strategic partners, programme sponsors and honoured donors. In his speech, Mohd Fahmie expressed appreciation to all those who selflessly gave their blood to help save the lives of others. He said the theme “One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives”, highlights the Blood Donor Day in Sandakan honours lifesavers and partners Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com I POH: Encouraged by a call from the government to keep surroundings clean and make those who dirty them face the music, an NGO here has taken upon itself to rid the streets of cigarette litter. During just a single day’s activity, a small team from Persatuan Suara Air Kinta Perak picked up some 6,000 cigarette butts that were inconsiderately disposed in public spaces. Its founder and president Malliga Muniandy worked with four committee members to collect the butts, mostly outside restaurants and car service centres at Taman Mas Falim in Ipoh on July 25. “We will organise more such activities to create awareness among the public,” she said in an interview with theSun after the outing. “Cigarette butts are in the highest category of rubbish that affects nature,” she added, referring to the toxic and polluting nature of cigarette litter. She said the association’s campaign is in line with the government’s vision to maintain cleanliness in the urban environment. “We also want the support of the Ipoh City Council in hauling up offenders who throw rubbish and other items indiscriminately,” she said. According to Malliga, research findings have revealed that when such litter is left on the ground, toxic chemicals from the o NGO aims to counter environmental damage to soil and waterways caused by toxic litter Ű P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia needs more age-friendly homes as seniors prefer to age in their own communities, said Dr Wong Teck Wee, organising chairman of the upcoming 11th Malaysian Conference on Healthy Ageing (MCHA 2026). In a statement, he stressed that most senior Malaysians want to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. “The question is how we can create the right environment and support systems to enable them to do so safely and independently. “Ageing in place is not just about healthcare. It involves having accessible housing, safe public spaces, reliable transport, community support services and technologies that allow aged adults to continue living active and meaningful lives. “As Malaysia moves towards an ageing society, we need to rethink how our communities are designed. Homes, neighbourhoods and public facilities should take into consideration the needs of people across different stages of life.” Wong stressed that supporting senior adults to remain independent can benefit families and the healthcare system by encouraging preventive care, reducing avoidable health complications and promoting better quality of life. He said these issues will be among the key discussions at the conference, which aims to explore practical approaches in building a more age-friendly Malaysia. MCHA 2026 will bring together leading local and international experts in geriatrics, healthy longevity, dementia care, digital health, rehabilitation, nutrition and ageing research. Organised by the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, it will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu from Sept 10 to 12. The event is expected to bring together healthcare professionals, allied health practitioners, policymakers, researchers, industry partners, aged care providers and other stakeholders involved in shaping Malaysia’s ageing landscape. For details and to register, visit healthyageing.org/mcha2026. Healthy ageing conference to make nation more friendly for seniors Apart from healthcare, caring for the aged must also cover proper housing, safe spaces, transport, community support and technology, says Wong.

Malliga (2nd left) and her team during their mission to collect cigarette litter.

contaminate the environment, including agricultural crops and vegetables grown on soils that absorb the toxins. She added that in the end, such pollution comes back to harm humans through affected foods that they consume. “A cigarette butt thrown on the ground does not simply disappear. It becomes part of a harmful cycle that affects our land, water, wildlife and ultimately our health.” The association also organises various events in schools every month to create awareness among children on the importance of preserving the environment and eradicating pollution, including the negative impact of cigarette butts.

Some of the cigarette butts collected.

cigarette filters mix with rainwater and moisture over time, seeping into the soil and waterways. The harmful substances then

Fahmie (seated, third left) poses for a group photograph with hospital officials, representatives of strategic partners, award recipients and participants.

campaign organised by the department. The celebration also featured the presentation of appreciation awards to outstanding organisers of blood donation campaigns for their commitment and continuous support in ensuring the success of mobile blood donation drives throughout the year. The event was further enlivened by a series of public activities, including a blood donation campaign, health screening and health exhibition. The activities provided the public with the opportunity to donate blood while gaining information through educational booths.

importance of every blood donation as a symbol of humanity, compassion and hope for patients in need. “Blood cannot be produced in laboratories, and there is no substitute capable of replacing it,” he said. “Every bag of donated blood is immensely valuable as it provides a second chance at life for patients in need, including accident victims, surgical patients, cancer patients, thalassaemia patients and mothers experiencing complications during childbirth.” He conveyed his highest appreciation to the many regular donors who have consistently supported every blood donation