KENINGAU: Keningau will witness hundreds of people in pink for the first time as they walk a 4km distance within the town area to participate in a breast cancer awareness campaign on April 3.
President of Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (KPR), Hajah Natrah Datuk Haji Arif, yesterday said the Pink Ribbon Walk 2016 would be flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan from the sports complex stadium at 6.30am.
“The Pink Ribbon Walk 2016 is a first for Keningau and we are as excited as the participants who have registered for the event to join in the awareness campaign and to help spread the message of early detection that could save lives,” she said.
Natrah said the two-day campaign that was being organized by KPR, a registered non-governmental organization (NGO), would start on April 2 at the sports complex badminton hall, and would be officiated by Assistant Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Haji Sairin Karno.
On the first day, a talk on breast cancer would be conducted by a surgeon, free breast screening for women and general health examination for both genders by nurses from the Breast Clinic, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Two Kota Kinabalu and Keningau Hospital.
“This is including a blood donation drive for the blood bank,” she said.
The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) will also open its counter to register women aged 40 and above for a free mammography screening, while KPJ Specialist Sabah will focus its talks on nutrition.
“Both events are supported by the Keningau District Office, the police along with other government machineries and NGOs networked as working committees with KPR,” she said.
Natrah said Assistant District Officer Ahmad Shah Tan Sri Sunoh Marso had reiterated the department’s appreciation to KPR for choosing Keningau as its breast cancer awareness drive and expressed confidence that the general public would respond to the free health screening being arranged.
“As co-organizing chairman of the campaign, I assure that the department, together with the relevant authorities, will provide every assistance to ensure its success,” he said.
Meanwhile, Natrah announced 20 attractive lucky draw prizes for the walk – a solid timber king-sized bed sponsored and donated by Lions Club Keningau and the House of Timber, and an air ticket voucher for a lucky participant as two of the grand draws.
She said another 20 items for the most creative “pinkiest” costumes donned by participants would also be presented.
“I am indeed grateful for the support given to KPR by the Keningau District Office, generous sponsors and all involved. I hope the campaign will achieve its desired objectives,” she said.
Members of the public can still register for the walk for only RM30 as registration fee at the sports complex lobby or by phone to Rosella 0135412624, Liliwati 0168454512 or KPR office at 088216237.