Kota Kinabalu: “Sepeda Amal Borneo 2025” (SAB2025) - a 600-km charity ride to raise seed funding for Sabah’s first children’s hospice while showcasing Sabah’s natural beauty, deserves support, says State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She emphasised this after a courtesy call by the Malaysian Medical Association Sabah (MMA Sabah) and the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (MAPPAC) to update her on preparations and to seek financial support for the extraordinary cycling event.
Liew, who is expected to flag off the event in Sandakan on July 27, praised the organisations for organising a two-in-one-affair with dual impact on health and tourism.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');}); “Sepeda Amal Borneo is more than a ride as it highlights Sabah’s natural attractions and community values. I believe this event will draw visitors, boost our tourism economy, and deepen public understanding of children’s hospice care,” she said.
SAB Chairperson cum Founder Dr Timothy Cheng, who led the visiting delegation, described the 600-km ride as a “Sabah-style Everest” Ride.
From Sandakan, he said, cyclists (including participants from overseas) would traverse rainforest valleys, highland villages, and coastal routes through Sungai Sapi, Paitan, Kota Marudu, Ranau, and Tambunan, before concluding in Kota Kinabalu on August 1.
The total elevation gain rivals Mount Everest making it both a physical and symbolic challenge, according to Dr Cheng.
MMA Sabah President Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang shared that MMA had advocated for public health since 1959 while Sepeda Amal Borneo has raised over RM750,000 for local causes.
“SAB2025 continues that mission bringing together riders from across Malaysia, Singapore, Macau, and the USA in a campaign to promote Sabah tourism and the critical need for children’s palliative care.”
On Dignity and Care for Every Child, Representative from Mappac Dr Sylvia Lim stressed that children’s palliative care transcends medicine as it honours dignity, companionship, and love.
“Families caring for children with life-limiting illness face immense physical, emotional, and logistical challenges. A Children’s Hospice in Kota Kinabalu will offer vital help to families facing life-limiting illnesses,” she said.
Also present was Dr Francesca Primus Chew, a member of the SAB2025 Organising Committee.
To contribute or learn more, visit sab.mma.org.my or follow #SAB2025 and #MCHKKSabah on social media.