MELAKA: The National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s (NCSM) Relay for Life completed
its inaugural Torch Relay in conjunction with Merdeka across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and here, successfully.
With 112 torch relayers and 2400 participants joining hands in relaying the torch to its final
stop at the Manipal University College here on Sunday (Aug 25).
The Torch Relay, which was launched this year as part of the Relay for Life Malaysia event series, featured a locally designed inspirational art sculpture named the "Journey of Hope Torch" being relayed by individuals and communities including cancer survivors and caregivers from Kuala Lumpur to Seremban on the first day Saturday (Aug 24) before arriving here on the second day, Sunday (Aug 25).
Throughout the relay, the Torch was taken to multiple pit stops in various locations where performances, talks, cancer and health screening activities as well as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination were carried out.
The Torch Relay was launched by Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa and other dignitaries at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa before making its way to multiple pit stops including
the Kuala Lumpur Polo Club, Taman Tasik Permaisuri, Masjid Bandar Seri Putra Bangi, Aurelius Hospital and Taman Tasik Ainsdale in Negri Sembilan.
On the second day, a contingent of torch relayers led by Negri Sembilan police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yusof ran the first leg in Seremban Lake Gardens before the relay proceeded to various other pit stops including Sendayan Green Park, Teluk Kemang Beach, Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh and finally to its conclusion at the Manipal University College Melaka.
The participants were received by an overwhelming crowd including students, cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers from organisations such as Akademi Laut Malaysia and Eyecon Group.
NCSM's advisor and clinical oncologist Dr Daniel Wong said he was touched by Malaysians who came out and supported the Torch Relay where the event embodied the best spirit of Merdeka and nationalism.
“In many stretches, cancer survivors and caregivers including childhood cancer survivors themselves came out and ran carrying the Torch, conveying the message of cancer awareness as well as to showcase the message of unity and community support for this cause,” he said on Tuesday (Aug 27).
Dr Daniel also ran with the participants for more than two kilometres on the Melaka stretch of the relay.
Cancer survivor Mahani Kassim, who also ran in Kuala Lumpur as a Torch Relayer, expressed her excitement at being part of the Torch Relay together with other members of the cancer support group known as "Pink Unity".
“The Torch Relay was very symbolic for us as it depicts a cancer survivor’s journey in the disease.
We (cancer survivors) were proud and amazed by the support of so many Malaysians who came out to support the Torch Relay in all the different towns and communities all along the way,” she said.
The Torch Relay is the kick-off event for the Relay for Life Malaysia event series, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 16 and Nov 17 and Melaka on Nov 30 and Dec 1.
Relay for Life Malaysia, which has been running for the past 15 years, is an event that brings communities together to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors, remember those who have passed on as well and raise vital funds for cancer prevention and support services.
Those interested in joining the Relay for Life Malaysia event in the different cities can register via the website relayforlifemalaysia.com or contact 016-528 3799.
