A FLAGSHIP charity initiative by Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is cycling 680km in support of children whose lives depend on timely care.
Sepeda Amal Borneo 2026 (SAB2026) will take on the ride from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah to Miri in Sarawak from July 26 to 31.
MMA in its press release said SAB2026 aimed to raise critical funds to support children living with primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) who require specialised paediatric surgical care.
Funds will also go towards strengthening early awareness and referral efforts as well as assisting sufferers’ families.
For many families, the challenge is not only medical, but also financial and logistical, often delaying treatment at the most critical moments.
“Every child deserves the chance to grow, to recover and to live a full life,” said MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo.
“Yet for many families, access to urgent and specialised care remains out of reach.
“Sepeda Amal Borneo is a platform to bring people together, to turn awareness into action and compassion into tangible support for those who need it most.
“Despite medical advances, critical gaps remain.
“The event reflects the medical fraternity’s continued commitment to bridging these gaps, ensuring that no child is left behind,” he said.
The ride, which is in its fifth year, will bring together 23 cyclists from various countries and backgrounds.
Funds raised will support Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery (MAPS) and Persatuan Pesakit Imunodefisiensi Primer Malaysia (MYPOPI), two organisations working at the forefront of care, advocacy and support for affected children and their families.
While paediatric surgical care is available in the public healthcare system, timely access can still be affected by awareness gaps at community level.
As a result, some children with serious surgical conditions are only referred when their conditions have progressed, delaying critical intervention.
At the same time, PID (a group of rare, genetic disorders that weaken the immune system) is frequently underdiagnosed, leaving children vulnerable to severe and recurrent infections.
“Too many children are still being diagnosed late because families are unaware that their condition is treatable and time-sensitive,” said MAPS president Prof Dr Shireen Anne Nah.
“Earlier awareness leads directly to earlier intervention and better outcomes.”
MYPOPI president Bruce Lim said, “PID is often not recognised until life-threatening complications arise.
“Greater awareness, early detection and sustained support are essential to saving lives.
“Initiatives like SAB2026 play a vital role in making that possible.”
MMA said in Malaysia, more than 500 individuals were currently living with PID, a number that underscored the need for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and accessible treatment.
Members of the public are encouraged to support SAB2026 through donations, sponsorships or by helping to spread awareness.
For details or to contribute, visit sab.mma.org.my or @SepedaAmalBorneo and #SAB2026 on social media.
For sponsorships, donations and event enquiries, contact Rafikah Nordin at sab2026@mma.org.my or call 014-5139 470 or (03) 4041 1375 (ext 431/432).
