Latest news with #RM180
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia's Largest Padel Tournament Registration Now Open
THE Volvo Padel Open is set to return in 2025 with its most ambitious edition yet, promising a larger prize pool, expanded competition categories, and enhanced participant experience. The tournament, recognised as the largest of its kind in Malaysia, will run from June 21 to July 27 2025, with registration now officially open. Organised in collaboration with three prominent padel venues in the Klang Valley – Joy Division Padel, Padelground, and PadelKu – this year's tournament will accommodate up to 320 players. Competitors will vie for a share of prizes exceeding RM180,000 in value, including cash, merchandise, complimentary court hours, and an exclusive week-long experience in a fully-electric Volvo vehicle. The registration window closes on July 3, 2025, with a one-off entry fee of RM160 per person or RM320 per team. In a show of appreciation to its customers, Volvo is offering a 50% discount on individual registration fees for Volvo vehicle owners. Acknowledging the rising calibre of local players, the 2025 edition introduces three refined competition categories – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced – aimed at accommodating both seasoned competitors and those new to the sport. The Beginner category will now feature an 'americano' format during the qualifying rounds, enabling individual players to partner with multiple teammates in a rotation system. Points are earned through each match, and the top 16 male and female scorers will move on to the semifinals, which are divided into men's and women's divisions. Intermediate and Advanced players will participate in men's or mixed team formats from the outset. Qualifying rounds will adopt a round-robin structure with sets capped at five games. Those advancing will face off in elimination matches played to seven games, with finalists competing in a full match format. READ ALSO: Volvo Padel Open Returns with new format and renewed commitment to local talent To ensure equitable competition, players in the Beginner and Intermediate tiers must undergo skill assessments conducted by professional coaches prior to the tournament. These evaluations will determine appropriate category placement based on actual playing ability. In preparation for the main event, coaching clinics will be made available at no cost for participants in the Beginner and Intermediate categories. Conducted in groups of four, the hour-long sessions are designed to build skills and instil confidence among newer players. The tournament will culminate in a grand finale on July 27. 2025 at the newly unveiled JOY2 complex – Joy Division Padel's latest venue in Jalan Penchala, Petaling Jaya. Featuring two tournament-grade courts, the finals will be open to the public, with exclusive hospitality services provided for all registered participants. The 2025 Volvo Padel Open also benefits from the support of key sponsors. Tactical Padel is the official equipment provider, contributing tournament balls, branded merchandise, and winner prizes. Glacéau vitaminwater, distributed by Coca-Cola Malaysia, will serve as the event's official energy drink, while creative production is managed by Directors' ThinkTank. Those interested in competing in this premier sporting event are encouraged to secure their slots early, as participation is capped. Registration is available online via
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Registrations now open for Malaysia's largest padel tournament
THE Volvo Padel Open is set to return in 2025 with its most ambitious edition yet, promising a larger prize pool, expanded competition categories, and enhanced participant experience. The tournament, recognised as the largest of its kind in Malaysia, will run from June 21 to July 27 2025, with registration now officially open. Organised in collaboration with three prominent padel venues in the Klang Valley – Joy Division Padel, Padelground, and PadelKu – this year's tournament will accommodate up to 320 players. Competitors will vie for a share of prizes exceeding RM180,000 in value, including cash, merchandise, complimentary court hours, and an exclusive week-long experience in a fully-electric Volvo vehicle. The registration window closes on July 3, 2025, with a one-off entry fee of RM160 per person or RM320 per team. In a show of appreciation to its customers, Volvo is offering a 50% discount on individual registration fees for Volvo vehicle owners. Acknowledging the rising calibre of local players, the 2025 edition introduces three refined competition categories – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced – aimed at accommodating both seasoned competitors and those new to the sport. The Beginner category will now feature an 'americano' format during the qualifying rounds, enabling individual players to partner with multiple teammates in a rotation system. Points are earned through each match, and the top 16 male and female scorers will move on to the semifinals, which are divided into men's and women's divisions. Intermediate and Advanced players will participate in men's or mixed team formats from the outset. Qualifying rounds will adopt a round-robin structure with sets capped at five games. Those advancing will face off in elimination matches played to seven games, with finalists competing in a full match format. To ensure equitable competition, players in the Beginner and Intermediate tiers must undergo skill assessments conducted by professional coaches prior to the tournament. These evaluations will determine appropriate category placement based on actual playing ability. In preparation for the main event, coaching clinics will be made available at no cost for participants in the Beginner and Intermediate categories. Conducted in groups of four, the hour-long sessions are designed to build skills and instil confidence among newer players. The tournament will culminate in a grand finale on July 27. 2025 at the newly unveiled JOY2 complex – Joy Division Padel's latest venue in Jalan Penchala, Petaling Jaya. Featuring two tournament-grade courts, the finals will be open to the public, with exclusive hospitality services provided for all registered participants. The 2025 Volvo Padel Open also benefits from the support of key sponsors. Tactical Padel is the official equipment provider, contributing tournament balls, branded merchandise, and winner prizes. Glacéau vitaminwater, distributed by Coca-Cola Malaysia, will serve as the event's official energy drink, while creative production is managed by Directors' ThinkTank. Those interested in competing in this premier sporting event are encouraged to secure their slots early, as participation is capped. Registration is available online via
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
B40 families receive aid via free groceries initiative
GEORGE TOWN: Since January, over 300 low-income and hardcore poor families across Penang and neighbouring regions have received grocery aid through the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) and Klinik Derma Sivasanta (KDS). On Wednesday, an aid distribution event was held at KDS in River Road, involving 60 families. Another 10 families who could not attend due to medical or caregiving responsibilities had the aid delivered to their homes. Since early this year, the two organisations have distributed grocery packages worth RM180 each to families in Penang Island, Butterworth, Prai, Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal, Simpang Ampat, Kulim and Ipoh. Each aid package includes more than 35 essential grocery items, vegetables, milk powder for children and senior citizens, diapers, health products, face masks and a vegetarian meal. The initiative is sustained entirely through public donations and support from several NGOs. PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah said the charity efforts were in response to the rising cost of living, inflation and concerns over job losses. 'Some families have had to borrow money just to buy food, medicine, milk for their children and even to pay for transport to school ,' he told theSun. Murugiah, who also coordinates operations at KDS, urged the government to carry out a comprehensive study on the current poverty situation. However, he pointed out that such conditions may not be fully visible through official statistics alone. Beyond food aid, the two entities have also extended support to bedridden individuals and those suffering from conditions such as cancer, stroke and kidney failure, by providing partial financial assistance to cover medical bills. Additionally, PHA supports underprivileged students by providing laptops and partially covering academic fees. More than 50 students have benefitted through the programme. 'None of this would be possible without the compassion and generosity of our donors,' Murugiah said. Established in 2012, PHA is a non-profit organisation committed to the welfare of underprivileged communities in Penang and neighbouring states. Over the years, it has been involved in community service initiatives, including funeral rites and cremation for unclaimed bodies from hospitals and care homes, providing vegetarian meals for senior citizens and assisting students in need. KDS, a charitable medical clinic founded in 1982 as a welfare wing of the Temple of Fine Arts, provides free medical care to the public, with a focus on serving the underprivileged. It has expanded its services to include a mobile medical unit for rural outreach and currently also offers free legal services to those in need. This grassroots effort, now in its 27th year, continues to provide a safety net for many urban poor families. According to a study by Unicef Malaysia in August 2024 involving 433 low-income households in Penang, 27.9% of respondents said they had to cut down on food due to financial constraints.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
PHA, KDS aid 300 low-income families across Penang in 2024
GEORGE TOWN: Since January, over 300 low-income and hardcore poor families across Penang and neighbouring regions have received grocery aid through the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) and Klinik Derma Sivasanta (KDS). On Wednesday, an aid distribution event was held at KDS in River Road, involving 60 families. Another 10 families who could not attend due to medical or caregiving responsibilities had the aid delivered to their homes. Since early this year, the two organisations have distributed grocery packages worth RM180 each to families in Penang Island, Butterworth, Prai, Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal, Simpang Ampat, Kulim and Ipoh. Each aid package includes more than 35 essential grocery items, vegetables, milk powder for children and senior citizens, diapers, health products, face masks and a vegetarian meal. The initiative is sustained entirely through public donations and support from several NGOs. PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah said the charity efforts were in response to the rising cost of living, inflation and concerns over job losses. 'Some families have had to borrow money just to buy food, medicine, milk for their children and even to pay for transport to school ,' he told theSun. Murugiah, who also coordinates operations at KDS, urged the government to carry out a comprehensive study on the current poverty situation. However, he pointed out that such conditions may not be fully visible through official statistics alone. Beyond food aid, the two entities have also extended support to bedridden individuals and those suffering from conditions such as cancer, stroke and kidney failure, by providing partial financial assistance to cover medical bills. Additionally, PHA supports underprivileged students by providing laptops and partially covering academic fees. More than 50 students have benefitted through the programme. 'None of this would be possible without the compassion and generosity of our donors,' Murugiah said. Established in 2012, PHA is a non-profit organisation committed to the welfare of underprivileged communities in Penang and neighbouring states. Over the years, it has been involved in community service initiatives, including funeral rites and cremation for unclaimed bodies from hospitals and care homes, providing vegetarian meals for senior citizens and assisting students in need. KDS, a charitable medical clinic founded in 1982 as a welfare wing of the Temple of Fine Arts, provides free medical care to the public, with a focus on serving the underprivileged. It has expanded its services to include a mobile medical unit for rural outreach and currently also offers free legal services to those in need. This grassroots effort, now in its 27th year, continues to provide a safety net for many urban poor families. According to a study by Unicef Malaysia in August 2024 involving 433 low-income households in Penang, 27.9% of respondents said they had to cut down on food due to financial constraints. For more information or to contribute, contact Murugiah at 016-444 9246.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sandakan dog shelter at breaking point
Voo tending to the dogs at SPCA Sandakan. SANDAKAN (May 22): The Sandakan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA Sandakan) is in urgent need of funding to continue caring for more than 800 dogs currently under its care. SPCA Sandakan secretary Gin Voo said that the shelter is facing an unprecedented crisis as its shelter reaches breaking point with over 800 dogs in desperate need of care. She added that the non-profit organisation, which operates solely on public donations, has also launched an ambitious 12-month sterilisation programme and urgently appealing for financial and material assistance. SPCA Sandakan was founded in 2012, and served as a refuge for stray and abandoned dogs, stepping in to provide humane care after the local council ended its controversial shoot-to-kill policy. However, the shelter's capacity has been pushed to the limit — what was once a manageable population of 350 dogs has now exploded to 828, with new arrivals coming in daily, she said. She added that the crisis stems from uncontrolled breeding due to irresponsible pet ownership, mass abandonment of unwanted litters, continued capture of strays by the municipal council, and the lack of government funding for sterilisation programs 'Despite taking on the enormous responsibility of housing Sandakan's stray population, SPCA Sandakan receives only RM5,000 per year from the local council — a sum that covers less than four days of operations,' she said. SPCA Sandakan's monthly expenses of around RM40,000 includes medical care for injured and sick rescued dogs, food and shelter for the over 800 dogs, salaries of seven employees, as well as purchases of utilities and for maintenance. 'We're drowning in costs while saving lives,' said Voo. 'Our RM5,000 annual grant disappears in four days. Without help, we cannot continue.' Voo said SPCA Sandakan opines that sterilisation is the only ethical and effective way to control the stray population. 'Killing strays is not the solution — it's cruel and doesn't address the root cause,' she said. 'Mass sterilisation breaks the endless breeding cycle humanely. For every female dog we spay, we prevent hundreds of unwanted puppies from suffering on the streets.' She added that the shelter's critical mass sterilisation programme aims to sterilize 100 dogs per month (1,200 in 12 months). She said that the cost per surgery is RM180 and that they need RM216,000 to undertake the programme. Voo reminded that they operate with zero government support and 100 percent community-funded. Aside for the cost to run the mass sterilisation programme, Voo said that their shelter also needs materials to create a recovery facility consisting of 50 recovery cages (for post-op care), three heavy duty canponies (for shaded recovery space), wire mesh fencing (to secure the area), 400 gallon water tanks and piping system (for hygiene) and construction labour cost to construct the facility. Voo also urged the community to neuter their pets and not contribute to the overpopulation and to consider adopting a dog as well as support their sterilisation programme. 'Every adoption creates space to save another life,' she said. She also said that a RM180 donated funds one life saving sterilisation, RM1,800 covers 10 dogs, and RM5,000 supports a month's medical supplies. 'Aside from that, we also welcome donation in the form of cage materials (metal), weatherproof canopies, galvanised wire mesh, water storage tanks, plumbing supplies and skilled labour volunteers,' she said. Corporates and business entities are also welcome to sponsor construction materials and hardware, medical equipment and adopt monthly funding pledges, she said. 'The stakes have never been higher. Without immediate help, the shelter population will exceed 1,000 dogs by the end of the year and raise the likelihood of disease outbreaks resulting from overcrowding. We also risk becoming bankrupt,' she said. 'This is Sandakan's last hope to humanely solve the stray crisis,' said Voo. 'We're not just asking for money — we need hands-on help. If you can donate materials or labour, you're building a future for these animals. Together, we can make Sandakan a model for compassionate stray management.' To donate, please contact 0168319119 for further information or bank in to: Maybank 560166133482 (SPCA Sandakan).
