KUCHING: The Kuching Diabetes Resource Centre and the Darul Hana Bridge here will be illuminated in blue on Nov 13 and 14 as an effort to raise awareness about diabetes.
Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak Branch chairman Dr William Voon mentioned that the colour blue has been adopted for diabetes, and World Diabetes Day (WDD) falls yearly on Nov 14.
“On Nov 13, the Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak will blue up Kuching’s Diabetes Resource Centre. The whole complex including the iconic cotton tree will be bathed in blue light.
“We therefore invite the people to enjoy the lovely sight and to remind themselves and all their friends of the danger of diabetes.
“While on Nov 14, the Kuching’s Darul Hana Bridge will be illuminated for the same reason and also to kick-start this year’s WDD in the state. The ceremony will be presided by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at 8pm and the switching-on event will be done from Pangkalan Batu at Main Bazaar,” he said in a press release in conjunction with WDD 2023 today (Nov 11).
He added to mark the event, the exercise team from Diabetes Malaysia led by Valerie Voon will perform from 6.45pm at the Pangkalan Batu.
“The public are invited to join in the zumba session. This will be followed by a special demonstration of Line Dancing by the team led by Alice Wright as well as Lorna,” he said.
In addition, he said Diabetes Malaysia will be holding a free zumba or aerobics session at the Diabetes Resource Centre, every Thursday at 7pm.
“More activities include a Diabetes Speech Contest targeted at Form 5 pupils. This is aimed at introducing to them the dangers of diabetes and also to let them brush up their English and speaking skills,” he said, while adding that the final round of the contest will be held at VivaCity Megamall on Nov 26.
In conjunction with this, he added a talk on diabetes will be given by Dr Zaitul of Poliklinik Kuching, Mosque Road on Nov 16, at 7pm.
“This will be done through the Zoom platform and all Form 4 and 5 children can follow the lecture in the comfort of home. The public are also welcome to listen in to the talk.
“The Zoom identity is 845 6375 3467 and no password is required. A question and answer session on diabetes will follow the talk. Those with questions to ask about diabetes can direct them to our panel,” he said.
Dr Voon also said diabetes is noted for its complications, robbing people of their health, comfort, money and even their lives.
He added that in Sarawak, several needy children will receive their supply of glucose test strips, where they are part of the 16 odd type 1 diabetic children adopted by the branch and they would receive a one year supply yearly.
“A one year supply of test strips costs RM1,600 which is beyond the means of such needy children.
“As such, we are grateful to many Lions Clubs who are so willing and so kind as to ‘adopt’ the children and foot the bill.
“Our central committee in Kuala Lumpur will also provide the strips to half of them,” said Dr Voon.
