22,807 people lose their hair for a good cause

For the sake of charity: Chung Boon Leong, 37 (in grey t-shirt), and his family looking at the hair donation made by donors at the Fisherman Wharf’s Foodcourt, Karpal Singh Drive in Penang.

GEORGE TOWN: A total of 22,807 people gave up their hair for charity. They also earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records.

The locks collected in six states, including Penang, have set a new record of having the most hair collected around the country.

The previous record was 10,412 locks.

Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim said the hair collected would produce 2,500 wigs to be donated to cancer survivors.

She said the event was co-organised with Locks of Hope Association, which also held a similar campaign with elected representatives from five other states.

“It’s meant to give hope to cancer patients and help build their confidence.

“They’ll experience hair drop after undergoing treatment. Their scalps will become sensitive and synthetic wigs may make them feel uncomfortable.

“Natural wigs can last longer and look natural.

“It is our aim to produce 2,500 wigs by 2020. We hope to send these wigs to all hospitals in Malaysia as our support to cancer patients,” Lim said, adding that the cost to produce a wig is RM820.

The hair donation was part of a charity carnival held to mark the Chinese New Year celebration at a food court near Karpal Singh Drive in Jelutong on Saturday.

Selangor had the highest number of locks collected at 5,317, followed by Melaka (3,814), Penang (3,776), Johor (3,471), Pahang (3,411) and Negri Sembilan (3,018).

Spotted at the event was 15-year-old Cheryl Pang Jia Tong who gave up her waist-length hair in aid of cancer patients.

“I saw the event on Facebook and I hope to help more people through this donation,” Pang said.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the wigs would help build confidence and give courage to cancer patients.

“Through donating hair, we can let them feel the warmth and kindness of the society,” he said.

At the celebration, Lim also launched the “Talents@Karpal Singh” programme which would take place on every second and fourth Saturday of the month at the food court, for the public to showcase their talents.

Meanwhile, Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer said 50 wheelchairs were given to the Perak Road district health clinic through funds allocated by the federal government.

Others present were state exco members Chong Eng and Soon Lip Chee, Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara president Tan Lean Kee and Penang Island City councillors.