Over 2,000 Join Subang Jaya Medical Centre’s Diabetes Dash Run to Raise Awareness on World Diabetes Day
Subang Jaya
Medical Centre (SJMC) marked its 5th annual community run, “Diabetes Dash:
Empowering Steps to Wellness,” on World Diabetes Day, bringing together over
2,000 participants to raise awareness about diabetes and promote prevention.
The event attracted a diverse group of individuals, including members of the
public, professional runners, healthcare workers, and SJMC staff, all united in
their commitment to tackling the diabetes epidemic. The run not only emphasised
the importance of diabetes prevention and wellness but also celebrated SJMC’s
39th anniversary of healthcare excellence.
Diabetes continues to be a significant health
concern in Malaysia, with one in six adults affected – roughly 3.6 million
people, or 15.6% of the adult population. If left unaddressed, these figures
are projected to rise to 7 million by 2025. To combat this, SJMC’s
multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, diabetes educators, and nurses
provides early detection, education, and ongoing support to help individuals
take proactive steps towards better health.
“Lifestyle modification is the most effective
strategy to prevent the progression of diabetes,” said Dr Hew Fen Lee,
Consultant Endocrinologist at SJMC and Advisor to the Event Committee. “This
can be achieved through reducing daily calorie intake and engaging in regular
physical activity – such as running, brisk walking, swimming, or cycling – for
at least 150 minutes per week.”
Bryan Lin, Chief Executive Officer of SJMC,
added: “Events like the Diabetes Dash highlight the critical role of regular
exercise and a balanced diet in diabetes prevention. The sense of community
also plays a vital part in raising awareness and encouraging others to
prioritise their health in the fight against this growing epidemic.”
Group photo with the winners of all categories, featuring ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mama, Tuan Ir. Balachandran Naicker (first and second left), Mr. Bryan Lin (center), Tuan Syed Shahril Anuar Syed Sulaiman, and Mr. Ken Chia (second and first from the right).
Since its inception in 2014, the SJMC Run has
been a key platform for raising diabetes awareness and empowering the community
to take control of their health. The hospital’s broader initiatives, which
focus on reducing the prevalence of diabetes, include various educational and
health promotion programmes designed to improve the overall wellbeing of
Malaysians.
The run featured multiple categories, from a
3km Fun Run to competitive 10km and 21km races gathering multiple generations
of participants. Esteemed guests at the event included MBSJ Councillors Tuan
Ir. Balachandran Naicker and Mr. Ken Chia; Dr. Chan Boon Kheng, Managing
Director & Group CEO of Asia OneHealthcare; as well as senior officials
from local authorities, including ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat, Chief of Police, IPD
Subang Jaya, and Tuan Syed Shahril Anuar Syed Sulaiman, Chief of BOMBA Subang
Jaya, who joined in supporting the initiative.
The event also saw participation from social
media influencers, radio announcers, and media representatives, all coming
together to celebrate its success.
“Tackling diabetes requires not just medical
intervention, but community-wide awareness and action. SJMC’s continuous
efforts to educate and empower individuals through events like this play an
important role in promoting a healthier, more informed society,” said Tuan Ir.
Balachandran Naicker, MBSJ Councillor.
“We both commend SJMC for its invaluable
contributions to the wellbeing of our community. Together, we can work towards
a healthier future,” echoes Mr Ken Chia, MBSJ Councillor.
To double down on its efforts, SJMC donated
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices and glucometers worth
RM19,000 to underprivileged diabetics through Action4Diabetes, a non-governmental
organisation. This contribution is a testament to the hospital’s dedication to
supporting those in need and helping them manage their condition effectively.
The event offered participants the chance to compete for cash prizes totaling RM21,600. In the 21km Men’s Open, Job Minacho Kamonde emerged victorious with a time of 1 hour, 13 minutes, 18 seconds, while Noor Amelia Musa claimed first place in the 21km Women’s Open with a time of 1 hour, 33 minutes, 41 seconds. The 21km Veteran Men’s and Women’s Open categories saw Mohd Nazri Ahmad and Tiffany Lee take the top spots, respectively.
In the 10km Men’s Open, Nikos Tai Lee Onn crossed the finish line at 34 minutes, 42 seconds, with Pauline Barbet, triumphing in the 10km Women’s Open with a time of 42 minutes, 36 seconds.
Reinforcing its commitment to holistic health,
SJMC sponsored complimentary entries for its employees and hosted running
clinics to encourage staff wellness. This initiative complements other SJMC
programmes, such as the Growing Well Together (GWT) programme, in collaboration
with Engage Life, which focuses on managing chronic conditions like obesity and
diabetes.
Mock cheque presentation to Action4Diabetes Malaysia, with (from left to right): Rachel Teoh, Communications Manager, Action4Diabetes Malaysia; Fiona Ooi, Regional Manager, Action4Diabetes Malaysia; Mr. Bryan Lin; Dr. Chan Siew Pheng, Consultant Endocrinologist, SJMC; Dr. Hew Fen Lee, Consultant Endocrinologist, SJMC.
"This year’s event reflects our ongoing
commitment to preventive healthcare,” said Bryan Lin. “Each participant today
demonstrates a shared responsibility for their health and wellbeing, proving
that collective efforts can create meaningful change in building a future where
everyone is empowered to take control of their health.”
SJMC remains committed to supporting the
community that has been integral to its growth as a leading regional healthcare
provider. Beyond the SJMC Run, the hospital sponsored health initiatives like
3D mammogram screenings earlier this year for underserved women in Subang Jaya.
Recently, SJMC received two prestigious awards for its community efforts: the
Community Initiative Award at the ACES Awards 2024 and the Community Health
Outreach Programme Award at the ESG Business Awards 2024, highlighting its dedication
to provide support and care to more communities around SJMC.
Source:
- Sinar Harian
- Bernama
- Malay Mail
- Kelab Mama
- Newswav
- China Press
- Nan Yang Siang Pau