By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The SEPEDA Amal Borneo 2025 fundraiser, themed “Pedal for Care, Ride for Hope”, concluded yesterday as 17 cyclists completed a gruelling 600km ride from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu.
The charity cycling event was aimed to raise funds for the establishment of Sabah’s first children’s hospice under the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (MAPPAC).
A multinational team of cyclists braved intense heat and challenging road conditions over six days, passing through Paitan, Kota Marudu, Ranau and Tambunan. The journey involved a total elevation gain of more than 6,000 metres.
Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib officiated at the closing ceremony at a hotel.
He congratulated the cyclists for their commitment, noting that their efforts had not only raised funds for the hospice but also helped to increase public awareness of paediatric palliative care — a little-known but vital field in a comprehensive healthcare system.
He said the only facility currently offering paediatric palliative care in Sabah is the Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas, which has seen a steady rise in patient numbers in recent years.
He urged the Ministry of Health (MoH) to consider expanding these services by training more doctors and nurses in the speciality.
He added that State Government support was essential in the establishment of the hospice, and called for collaboration with relevant agencies to realise the project.
As State Health Exco, James said he would propose to the State Government the allocation of a plot of land in the Kota Kinabalu area for the hospice.
He would also submit a request to MoH to provide supporting facilities.
He said that the Sabah Council of Social Services had approved the temporary rental of a premises for the Children’s Hospice, which will also function as MAPPAC’s service and administrative centre.
“The cost of RM2,300 per month will be covered for a period of 12 months, amounting to RM27,600,” he said.
Since its inception, SEPEDA Amal Borneo has raised over RM950,000 for various medical and social causes.
This year’s proceeds, amounting to RM200,000, will support MCH Kota Kinabalu in delivering free paediatric palliative care services.
These include home visits, pain management, psychosocial support and family accompaniment programmes — ensuring that no child with a life-limiting illness is left to suffer alone.
To further support the cause, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), which organised SEPEDA Amal Borneo 2025, hosted a charity dinner to boost fundraising and raise public awareness of paediatric palliative care — a critical but often overlooked aspect of the healthcare system.
Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang, chairman of MMA Sabah, said fundraising efforts would continue, and he hoped more individuals and corporate donors would step forward to support the provision of compassionate, dignified care for affected children and their families.
