BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & NURIN PATRA
KUCHING: Sepeda Amal Borneo has raised RM220,000 through a charity cycling event organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) in collaboration with ROSE Foundation recently.
The event held over seven days saw seven cyclists riding more than 800km from Miri to Kuching to raise funds for Programme ROSE (Removing Obstacles to Cervical Screening).
They arrived at the finish line on Saturday (Aug 3) at the Pullman Hotel here.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof who was at the closing ceremony expressed his support for the cycling event.
“Maybe next year I can join you, to show my support, do whatever good things that you’re doing,” he said.
“I’ll be with you in ROSE so just let me know how I can help and assist, and how I can be of assistance to all of you.”
Fadillah stressed the significance of everyone playing their part, no matter how small, in the collective effort to advance the nation.
“That’s how Malaysia is. To make Malaysia a better place for all of us, everybody will have to play a role. No matter how small the role is, it is important.
“Let us get together, in the spirit of Malaysia. I want to say this is a part of independence. So, what we need to do is unite in making Malaysia the best for all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to Chair of ROSE Foundation Datuk Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Programme ROSE features self-sampling by women themselves to test for HPV with a secure, digital e-health platform to ensure proper communication and follow up post testing.
“This evidence-based approach can save lives and spare women and families from the suffering and financial hardship associated with cervical cancer.
“We are so grateful to the Sepeda Amal Borneo team for once again coming together to ride for and raise funds for ROSE. This effort is not just about raising funds, it’s about sparking important conversations, increasing awareness, and demonstrating our commitment to eliminating this highly preventable disease,” she said.
She said ROSE Foundation will continue its endeavours in cervical cancer prevention, complementing the Ministry of Health’s effort in making a cervical cancer free world a reality in Sarawak, and eventually Malaysia.
Funds raised will be used for awareness and cervical screening programmes conducted under Programme ROSE in Sabah and Sarawak, focusing on hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
