THE ninth edition of Cleft Lip and Palate (CLAP) Run saw its highest turnout yet with over 600 participants gathered at Universiti Malaya (UM) Arena Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
Organised by UM’s Dentistry Faculty in collaboration with Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (Clapam), the annual charity run to benefit children with cleft lip and palate conditions is part of a Baktisiswa Project, a community service initiative by fourth-year undergraduates of the Dental Student Society.
CLAP Run was first conceived in 2016 by the faculty’s dean and paediatric dentistry specialist Prof Dr Sabri Musa, who was previously UM’s deputy vice-chancellor.
He has long been involved in the care and management of cleft patients.
Cleft lip and palate are birth defects caused by incomplete formation of tissues during foetal development.
In Malaysia, an estimated 700 to 900 babies are born with cleft conditions each year.
Despite the high prevalence, public awareness remains low, particularly regarding the complex, long-term treatment required and the financial strain faced by affected families.
UM’s Dentistry Faculty runs a multidisciplinary cleft clinic twice monthly, drawing patients from across the country and offering care from specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, paediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
Apart from raising funds, the run is also aimed at educating the public and foster support for those affected by cleft conditions.
This year’s event featured both 3km and 5km routes, starting from the stadium track and ending at the entrance.
During the event, participants were greeted at the finish line with a celebratory water spray by members of the Fire and Rescue Department, adding fun to the occasion.
Prizes were awarded to the top five male and female runners, while participants also won lucky draw items.
