ISKANDAR PUTERI (BERNAMA) – A fourth-stage breast cancer patient, Sarlinawati Abdul Mues, 48, is embarking on a solo journey to 22 countries in an effort to raise funds for cancer patients’ treatment.
Sarlinawati said for the journey, in collaboration with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), she will use a WM ES250i scooter and will commence her trip from Kuala Lumpur in April next year and expected finish in Saudi Arabia in August next year. ‘’If I have the opportunity during the trip, I will visit the headquarters of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva as well as cancer centres in the countries that I visit.
‘’My goal is to gather as much funds as possible to help cancer patients who need help for their treatment, where contributions can be channelled via the NCSM,” she said when met by reporters at the launching ceremony of the NCSM Cancer Support Centre yesterday.
Also present at the event were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, who is also the Iskandar Puteri member of Parliament, and NCSM Associate Professor Dr M Murallitharan.
Sarlinawati, who was diagnosed with fourth-state breast cancer in 2021, undertook a solo motorcycle journey around Peninsular Malaysia last year to raise funds for the Bra Prosthesis and Mastectomy project organised by Cancer Survivor Malaysia (CSM).
Therefore, she hopes that her effort to travel to 22 countries can lighten the burden of cancer patients in this country.
“My hobby of riding a motorcycle and the experience of my first solo journey last year for almost 22 days have provided me with a lot of inspiration.
“When I ride, it is like continuing life like a cancer patient who has to keep on going no matter the circumstances.
“Similarly, when I ride my motorcycle and start my journey, whatever obstacles are in front of me, I have to continue,” she said.
Meanwhile, regarding the NCSM Cancer Support Centre, Murallitharan said that the centre, located in Taman Nusantara Prima, is the first to be built in Johor and is expected to commence operations in March next year.
He said the centre offers services such as cancer screening and early detection, and also has experts in fields including psychology, diet, counselling and peer support.
“In addition to the Cancer Support Centre, we will also provide a mobile clinic offering free cancer screenings to the public in this state,” he added.