Programmes for the underprivileged: Mercy Malaysia calling for donations

By Olivia Miwil - July 29, 2019 @ 2:35pm

(File pic) Dr Anbarasu Ramalingam said after 15 years in Sabah, the chapter was committed to doing more for the people in the state, especially in educating and helping them to have a better quality of life. (NSTP/MALAI ROSMAH TUAH)

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah chapter of Mercy Malaysia is calling for donations from corporate bodies and individuals to help conduct more empowerment programmes for the underprivileged community in the state.

Its chairperson Dr Anbarasu Ramalingam said after 15 years in Sabah, the chapter was committed to doing more for the people in the state, especially in educating and helping them to have a better quality of life.

According to him, since the establishment of the state chapter in 2003, it had conducted over 100 mobile outreach clinics in Sabah, Disaster Relief Response programmes, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects.

In 2009, the chapter initiated the Intervention Group for Alcohol Misuse (lGAM) to address concerns over alcohol consumption amongst the population of Sabah, particularly during the Kaamatan harvest festival, through awareness workshops.

Dr Anbarasu said the chapter had identified a water project in Pitas district using the rainwater catchment method, and another water project to be done in Kudat district, which will need some research conducted first.

"Fundings and donations from the public could change the lives of the villagers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Anbarasu also encouraged trail runners to take part in the 6th Salt Trail Challenge on Oct 12.

The event, which is jointly-organised by the chapter, Sabah Parks, SSSB radio communications and PACOS Trust, is aimed at raising RM80,000.

The Salt Trail Challenge, which is said to be tougher than climbing the Mount Kinabalu, has two categories - 16 kilometres (RM200 registration fee) and 25km (RM300).

It is divided into four categories, which are Men’s Open, Women's Open, as well as Men‘s Veteran and Women's Veteran.

The closing date for registration is Aug 31. For further enquiries, contact Mercy Malaysia Sabah Chapter’s office at 088-272667 or 019-3116182.