633-kilometre Cycleton to Raise Awareness on Obesity and Kidney Disease Ends in Putrajaya
A 633-kilometre cycleton to raise awareness of obesity and its effects on kidney disease culminated on a grand scale at Taman Botanic in Putrajaya.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Health, MySihat, the Malaysian Society of Nephrology and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Malaysia, the cycleton was flagged off by The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail at the Hospital Tuanku Fauziah in Kangar, Perlis.
The cycleton took 31 participants southwards towards Putrajaya and spanned a total distance of 633 kilometres. Some few participants joined in the final leg of the cycleton today at Taman Botani in Putrajaya, which was transformed into a carnival of sorts – all for a worthy cause.
The cycleton was the product of a highly concerted effort in conjunction with World Kidney Day, an annual global awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of kidney health.
Heeding the World Kidney Day theme this year – Kidney Disease and Obesity – the cycleton and initiatives today were organised to advocate public education on the harmful consequences of obesity and its association with kidney disease, while promoting a healthy lifestyle and health policy measures that make preventive behaviours an affordable option.
In this regard, today’s event at Taman Botani in Putrajaya also included a host of other activities to further accentuate the World Kidney Day theme in a fun, family-friendly environment. Among these activities included a Zumba session, a five-kilometre fun run, free health checks, health exhibitions, health talks, a blood donation drive, CPR lessons and a colouring contest for schoolchildren, amidst other carnival-like activities, which saw the participation of young and old alike.
“This celebration also aims to educate medical professionals including doctors and paramedics on their roles to reduce the risk of kidney disease, especially among those at high risk,” said YB Dato Seri Dr Hilmi Bin Haji Yahaya, Deputy Health Minister of Malaysia. This is why so many organisations came together for this cause and went all out, pulling out all the stops in a joint effort to organise the cycleton and today’s finale – to reach as many people as possible to raise awareness of obesity and kidney disease.
“With YB Dato Seri Dr Hilmi Bin Haji Yahaya, Deputy Health Minister of Malaysia supporting World Kidney Day 2017 at this national level, this portrays Ministry of Health’s commitment to address kidney health issues in this country,” said Professor Dr. Goh Bak Leong, President of Malaysia Society of Nephrology.
Statistically, Malaysia is the most obese country in Asia. Moreover, the 22nd Report of the Malaysian Dialysis and Transplant Register (2014) showed that there has been an alarming 100% increase in the number of new dialysis patients in Malaysia over the last decade. Within the last five years alone, the country has seen more than 6000 new patients each year requiring regular dialysis.Â
 “The numbers speak for themselves and paint a staggering and frightening picture,” added Dato’ Dr Zaki Morad Mohd Zaher, the Chairman of NKF Malaysia. “However, the good news is that we can bring these figures down if everybody does their part. We believe that good health begins with each individual and the family unit at home.”
For more information on these and future NKF activities or to donate towards the organisation’s efforts, please visit http://www.nkf.org.my or call 03-7954 9048.
