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Advocating kindness and social change

Advocating kindness and social change

The Star15 hours ago
A total of 27 organisations participated in Kind Malaysia 2025, a platform that champions kindness as a unifying force for social change.
Fourth-edition of event brings together 27 non-profit organisations for a better Malaysia
THE eco-market in Shah Alam, Selangor, run by Bekind Malaysia, has grown into a popular community space for people to donate or pick up pre-loved items at no cost.
Bekind Malaysia bureau coordinator Mohd Adzrul Mohd Adnan said children's items such as toys, strollers and baby equipment were especially sought after, while adults often looked for clothes, shoes and bags.
'It's a practice that promotes sustainability and a circular economy, since the donor is giving away items they no longer want but are still in good condition, to someone else who wants them,' he said.
He added that the non-governmental organisation also runs a twice-monthly street food distribution programme in Klang, which grew from its food aid work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The eco-market is a regular feature of Shah Alam City Council's (MBSA) Car-Free Day, usually held on the second Sunday of each month.
Bekind Malaysia was also among the 27 organisations participating in Kind Malaysia 2025, a platform promoting kindness as a unifying force for social change.
A total of 27 organisations participated in Kind Malaysia 2025, a platform that champions kindness as a unifying force for social change.
The fourth Kind Malaysia event, themed 'Kindness Unites Humanity', took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and for the first time was co-located with EventXpo, a business events marketplace which offers the opportunity to meet and engage with organisations driving positive change across Malaysia.
Visitors were able to engage with organisations working on humanitarian aid, mental health, environmental conservation, and community empowerment.
Guest-of-honour Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, who is also the Cameron Highlands MP, said kindness, empathy and compassion remained essential to building a strong and united society.
'In our pursuit of economic progress and technological advancement, let us not forget that the true measure of a nation lies in how it treats its people, particularly the vulnerable, the marginalised and the unheard.
'Today's event reminds us that nation-building is a shared responsibility, a collective effort that requires trust, collaboration and a sense of duty from all of us.
'Whether we serve in public office, lead a business, volunteer for a cause or support our communities quietly behind the scenes, each of us has a role to play,' he said.
Ramli is Malaysia's first Orang Asli MP.
Also present were Kind Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, co-founder and Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (Maceos) president Datuk M Gandhi, advisers Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Mej-Jen (Rtd) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin and Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim, as well as Ramli's wife Datin Dr Rozana Kamal.
The three-day event included pocket talks on health, wellness and care, humanitarian action, mental health, inclusion and environment, technology and empowerment.
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