Melaka, August 27, 2024, The Europe Today: The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) celebrated a significant milestone with the successful completion of its inaugural Torch Relay, held in conjunction with the Merdeka celebrations. The event, which took place across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Melaka, saw an impressive turnout of 112 torch relayers and 2,400 participants who joined hands to relay the torch to its final destination at Manipal University College Melaka on Sunday, August 25th.
The Torch Relay was part of the Relay for Life Malaysia event series and featured a locally designed inspirational art sculpture named the “Journey of Hope Torch.” This torch, symbolizing resilience and hope, was relayed by individuals and communities, including cancer survivors and caregivers. The relay began in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, August 24th, and made its way to Seremban before concluding in Melaka the following day.
Throughout its journey, the Torch was carried to various locations where it was met with enthusiastic support. The relay included multiple pit stops where performances, educational talks, cancer and health screenings, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations were conducted.
The Torch Relay was officially launched by Kuala Lumpur police chief Commissioner Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. From there, it traveled through notable locations such as the Kuala Lumpur Polo Club, Taman Tasik Permaisuri, Masjid Bandar Seri Putra Bangi, Aurelius Hospital, and Taman Tasik Ainsdale in Negri Sembilan.
On the second day, the relay resumed with a contingent led by Negri Sembilan police chief Deputy Commissioner Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yusof at Seremban Lake Gardens. The torch then continued through various stops, including Sendayan Green Park, Teluk Kemang Beach, Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh, before reaching its final destination at Manipal University College Melaka.
The event was met with overwhelming support from the community, with crowds of students, cancer survivors, caregivers, and volunteers from organizations such as Akademi Laut Malaysia, Junior Chambers of Commerce, and Eyecon Group greeting the torch at every stop.
Dr. Daniel Wong, NCSM’s advisor and clinical oncologist, expressed his deep gratitude for the widespread support shown by Malaysians. “The Torch Relay embodied the true spirit of Merdeka and nationalism. It was incredibly moving to see cancer survivors and caregivers, including childhood cancer survivors, running with the torch and spreading the message of cancer awareness and unity,” he remarked on Tuesday, August 27th.
Dr. Daniel himself participated in the relay, running over two kilometers during the Melaka leg of the journey.
Cancer survivor Mahani Kassim, who participated in Kuala Lumpur as a Torch Relayer, shared her excitement about being part of the event. “The Torch Relay was very symbolic for us, depicting a cancer survivor’s journey through the disease. We were proud and amazed by the support of so many Malaysians who came out to cheer for the relay in all the towns and communities along the way,” she said.
The Torch Relay serves as the kickoff event for the Relay for Life Malaysia event series, which will continue in Kuala Lumpur on November 16-17 and in Melaka on November 30-December 1. Now in its 15th year, Relay for Life Malaysia is a community-driven event that celebrates the lives of cancer survivors, honors those who have passed, and raises essential funds for cancer prevention and support services.
