Dr Sim (fourth left) flagging-off the 10km-category runners while (from second left) Dr Chin and Dr Morni look on. – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The early morning rain failed to dampen the spirits of some 1,000 people joining the Malaysian Medical Association (MAA) – Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialist (Sochmos) Sarawak Charity Health Run 2020 at Saradise here today.
Some participants, consisting of members of medical staff from hospitals around the city as well as charity organisations and associations, came in high spirits to the starting line as early as 5.30am as the rain drizzled since the night before, all in the name of charity.
Organising chairwoman Dr Nanthini Balakumaran said the run was organised not just to raise funds for the homes for elderly folks in Sarawak but also to spread awareness on healthcare for the elderly.
“The aim of this is to raise money for charity for all the various old folks homes especially from the non-government and non-profit organisations, specifically one we are concerned about is Home of Peace at Mile 13, Jalan Landeh.
“We are contributing to that and also to raise awareness towards the care of the elderly because they are definitely a big part of our society,” she told reporters when met after the flag-off.
Dr Sim (middle row eighth left) and Dr Morni (ninth left) in a group photo with some of the runners before the flag-off. – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
The flag-off was done by Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, MMA Sarawak chairman Dr Morni Abu Samad and Sarawak Health director Dr Chin Zin Hing.
Dr Nanthini said after covering for the cost of organising the run, the balance from the proceeds would be donated to Home of Peace, as well as other old folks homes.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim told reporters that the organising committee mostly consisting of medical staff from government hospital deserve some commendation for organising such event despite the unfavourable weather.
“These are government doctors are going beyond their duties in the hospital by giving back to the community.
“They make sure everybody is taken care of even outside of the hospital – rain or shine,” he said.