'Sabah-style Everest' Ride to raise fund for children's hospice
Liew (centre) receiving a promotional poster from Dr Cheng. Looking on from left are Dr Senagang, Dr Chew and Dr Lim.
KOTA KINABALU (May 28): 'Sepeda Amal Borneo 2025″ (SAB2025) – a 600-km charity ride to raise seed funding for Sabah's first children's hospice while showcasing Sabah's natural beauty, deserves support, says Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She emphasised this after a courtesy call by the Malaysian Medical Association Sabah (MMA Sabah) and the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (MAPPAC) to update her on preparations and to seek financial support for the extraordinary cycling event.
Liew, who is expected to flag off the event in Sandakan on July 27, praised the organisations for organising a two-in-one-affair with dual impact on health and tourism.
'Sepeda Amal Borneo is more than a ride – it highlights Sabah's natural attractions and community values. I believe this event will draw visitors, boost our tourism economy, and deepen public understanding of children's hospice care,' she said.
SAB chairperson cum founder Dr Timothy Cheng, who led the visiting delegation, described the 600-km ride as a 'Sabah-style Everest' Ride.
From Sandakan, he said cyclists (including participants from overseas) will traverse rainforest valleys, highland villages and coastal routes through Sungai Sapi, Paitan, Kota Marudu, Ranau and Tambunan, before concluding in Kota Kinabalu on August 1. The total elevation gain rivals Mount Everest making it both a physical and symbolic challenge, according to Dr Cheng.
MMA Sabah president Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang shared that MMA has advocated for public health since 1959 while Sepeda Amal Borneo has raised over RM750,000 for local causes. 'SAB2025 continues that mission bringing together riders from across Malaysia, Singapore, Macau and the USA in a campaign to promote Sabah tourism and the critical need for children's palliative care.'
On Dignity and Care for Every Child, representative from MAPPAC, Dr Sylvia Lim, stressed that children's palliative care transcends medicine as it honours dignity, companionship and love. 'Families caring for children with life-limiting illness face immense physical, emotional and logistical challenges. A Children's Hospice in Kota Kinabalu will offer vital help to families facing life-limiting illnesses,' she said.
Also present was Dr Francesca Primus Chew, a member of the SAB2025 Organising Committee.
To contribute or learn more, visit sab.mma.org.myor follow #SAB2025 and #MCHKKSabah on social media.
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