In an effort to help fight cancer, Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad, the operator of Kuala Lumpur's STAR line and PUTRA LRT systems, once again joined forces with the National Cancer Council to launch a "donation box campaign" at the PWTC LRT station in Jalan Putra recently.

How Do You Do?: Ridza (right) getting acquainted with some of the children. Looking on is Dayang Nur Faizah (third from right)

The launch was witnessed by the operator's (SPNB), chief executive officer Ridza Abdoh Salleh, and the cancer council (MAKNA) president, Datuk Farid Ariffin, as well as 10 young cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Institut Kanser MAKNA-Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

"SPNB's partnership with MAKNA dates back to 2000 when we jointly organized several fundraising campaigns and community projects to benefit cancer patients.

"Some of these projects included the Tele-Kanser 2001 and 2002 campaigns, Periwinkle Day Campaign, a world wrestling entertainment event entitled 'The Big Show' as well as the placement of donation boxes at 23 PUTRA stations in 2001," said Ridza.

According to Ridza, as many as 24 donation boxes have already been placed at strategic spots near customer service and ticketing counters at PUTRA stations.

Another 25 boxes will be placed at STAR stations soon.

"The combined ridership of PUTRA and STAR line stations exceed 270,000 commuters daily and this provides an ideal platform to raise funds for such a worthy cause.

"I also hope this campaign will reinforce the long-term relationship between SPNB and MAKNA where funds can be continually raised for financially needy patients," he said.

According to Farid, the campaign aimed to encourage the public to donate their small change.

The campaign also aims to increase awareness on cancer and inform the public that MAKNA can be of assistance when one is suffering from cancer.

"The sum donated can be as little as one sen for every sen counts.

"We, on our part, will ensure that the funds collected are put to good use.

"Our long-term objective is to see fewer people seek treatment for cancer through the elimination of this deadly disease," Farid said.

"The number of cancer cases in Malaysia is currently on the rise.

"In fact, the disease which can strike anyone is now the second leading cause of deaths in Malaysia.

"An estimated 40,000 cancer cases are registered yearly.

"However, about 30 to 50 per cent of cancer cases can actually be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle which includes good eating habits, early detection and seeking the right treatment," he said.

Ridza said the campaign did not have a time period, as it was a "sustainable project".

At the launch, popular songbird Dayang Nur Faizah entertained the children and their families with a few songs.

MAKNA is a non-profit organization established in 1995 to provide cancer treatment and care for patients and their families.

It also educates the public on the causes of cancer while promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing the best treatment to patients.

It also offers screening and diagnostic facilities to enable early detection as well as manage a bursary programme to provide financial aid to patients who are unable to meet the cost of treatment

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