MOLPay Cash; The Next Big Thing!

Partners with 7-Eleven to Bring Malaysia’s First Ever Online-to-Offline Payment

How MOLPay Cash works!

MOLPay Sdn Bhd, Southeast Asia’s leading payment solutions provider raises the ante in e-commerce market segment by introducing MOLPay Cash, the first and only Online-to-Offline (O2O) innovative payment, pioneering in Southern Asia.

MOLPay Cash is a way of payment for customers that prefer to explore online shopping, but has no online banking accounts or cards. This is also perfect for online frequents that prefer offline cash payment. MOLPay Cash works as an alternative way of paying your shopping cart without keying in your banking details into a webpage.

As 60 per cent of Malaysian consumers prefer cash payment method instead of through credit cards, this payment channel will be one of the main attractions for online e-commerce businesses. The introduction of MOLPay Cash is also timely since Malaysians are very concerned about their cyber-safety and more hesitant to reveal their payment card details online even if their personal info are protected.

One of the main reasons why MOLPay Cash users are doubling each month is because there is no fuss in using this payment channel. The users can skip the tedious steps for creating an online account as well as keying in personal data and banking details on an online portal. It is as easy as buying online, checking out, paying for purchased items at the nearest 7-Eleven store and waiting for the parcel’s arrival.

The collaboration between these two companies will give a 40% boost in sales for the local e-commerce businesses from huge corporation to SMEs through MOLPay Cash alone, as it serves the remaining 60 percent of the unbanked market. It is also seen as a way for online merchants to expand their reach to more Malaysian consumers, thereby allowing more revenue and greater value for their new and existing customers.

“MOLPay Cash is the Online-to-Offline (O2O) gateway for these e-commerce as well as m-commerce businesses, from established companies to small SMEs, to engage and seize the 60% of the market that prefer cash payment over online banking or cards. In order to get to them, these online businesses are in need for a new, better and a more innovative means of payment,” said Mr. Eng Sheng Guan, Chief Executive Officer of MOLPay Sdn Bhd.

“MOLPay Cash is set to provide greater value to our Malaysian e-commerce businesses as it will spur local SMEs which are still exploring other innovative payment channels to engage the rest of the underserved market. The convenience of MOLPay Cash will allow these businesses to reach out to customers and grow their customer base as they can pay by cash to the nearest 7-Eleven for their online purchases,” added Mr. Eng.

“So far, we are witnessing an astounding 80% hike in monthly transactions for MOLPay Cash across the nation and we are expecting growth of more than 150%.  This number can be achieved through proper integration, awareness and education of the existence of such channel where many online businesses have neglected”, Mr. Eng concluded.

How does it work?

Just like any other monetary transaction, a few simple steps are involved to complete a payment for an online purchase with a maximum of RM1,500 transaction per day for safety reasons.

The person making an online purchase from selected online portals can proceed to checkout and select MOLPay Cash as their payment method that will then send a request to MOLPay.

A transaction ID and verification code will then be generated and the said buyer is required to take their transaction ID and verification code to the nearest 7-Eleven outlet and make the payment.  Once the payment has been done, a receipt will be issued and the merchant will then be updated on your payment status.  The only thing left to do is to wait for your parcel to arrive at your doorstep.

MOLPay offers a 48-hours period of payment to buyers to clear their transaction at any 7-Eleven outlets nationwide before voiding the order made.

Monetary transaction has the upper hand in the sense of its operating time. Most, if not all credit or debit card transactions will be momentarily suspended from 12am until 4:30am to allow their banking system to update.

But that will not  be a problem with MOLPay Cash.  There 2,122 7-Eleven outlets nationwide, which means at least 150 outlets per state, operates 24-hours a day, everyday of the year.

For more information about MOLPay Cash and other MOLPay Sdn Bhd services, please visit http://www.molpay.com/v3/7eleven

XOX MOBILE & Universal Music Malaysia Partner To Deliver Innovative Digital Music Content To Subscribers

Features Artistes Fazura, Bunkface, ThomasJack Introduce ONEMUSIC Edition Starter Pack

(From left) Mr. Kenny Ong, Universal Music Group for Malaysia and Singapore’s Managing Director and Mr. Ng Kok Heng, XOX Berhad Group CEO launching the ONEMUSIC Edition Starter Pack.

XOX MOBILE and Universal Music Malaysia, the local arm of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, have formed a first-of-its-kind partnership to deliver innovative digital music content as part of XOX Mobile’s focus to reward their loyal subscribers.

XOX Berhad Group CEO, Mr Ng Kok Heng, and Universal Music Group for Malaysia and Singapore’s Managing Director, Mr. Kenny Ong, were present to launch the ONEXOX Universal Music Starter Pack (or known as ONEMUSIC Edition Starter Pack) together with ONEXOX Friends MTV VJ and singer Fazura, pop-rock group Bunkface and popular singing & acting duo ThomasJack held at Sunway Pyramid Mall today.

The ONEMUSIC Edition Starter Pack will give subscribers unparalleled access to digital music and music showcases. This includes special ticket offers, artistes’ merchandise and exclusive experiences of meet & greet, up-close encounters with local and international artistes within the Universal Music family. The ONEMUSIC Edition Starter Pack can be purchase via www.xox.com.my with free delivery nationwide and via Universal Music Malaysia’s distribution channels.

“Our subscribers are young, and getting younger. Digital content, especially music is important to them and their lifestyles. Understanding what they want, and how they want it delivered; our digital content platform will be our channel of delivery to them,” said Mr Ng.

“In 2017, XOX MOBILE will be ramping up our rewards to subscribers to thank them for their support, and to differentiate ourselves from other players in the market. It will give our subscribers special access and privileges to Universal Music’s stellar line-up of artistes, which our subscribers will appreciate. We will be launching more digital contents working with Universal Music in the near future,” concluded Mr. Ng.

XOX Friends; Bunkface, Fazura and ThomasJack posing for their fans

Universal Music Malaysia and Singapore’s Managing Director, Mr. Kenny Ong also highlighted the many added benefits of the ONEMUSIC Edition Starter Pack, which includes special offers on concert and showcase tickets organized by Universal Music Malaysia, as well as attractive discount deals on their products at selected CD-Rama outlets and Lazada. Users will also be invited to artist workshops and flyaways, along with first hand exclusivity on all their latest updates, upcoming concerts and pre-release purchases.

“Users will also get to enjoy exciting, money can’t buy experiences with Universal Music’s artists, much like when selected XOX MOBILE subscribers were given the opportunity to play in a futsal tournament with the members of Bunkface, in conjunction with the band’s 10th anniversary concert last year. These experiences gives music-lovers and fans a chance to connect directly with their favourite musicians.” Mr Ong added.

About XOX MOBILE

XOX MOBILE is the 1st MVNO in the country, which has been listed on Bursa Malaysia since 2011. XOX Mobile is principally engaged in the business of providing mobile services by blending a holistic approach with continuous research and development to build diverse genuine value for money products, services and content for the young, technology savvy and general Malaysian customer.

 

Today XOX MOBILE has approximately 1.7 million subscribers.

XOX MOBILE is a proud recipient of The Brand Laureate Brand Award 2013 and 2015, and a winner in Malaysia’s 100 Top Brands in 2012, 2013 & 2015. XOX Mobile is also the recipient of BrandLaureate President’s Award 2016 Innovation for Mobile Network Operator – XOX MOBILE Season Pass 

For more information, please visit www.xox.com.my.

 

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries.  Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world.  Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans.

 

Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company.  

 

Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com

TOP Launches Revolutionary TOP Micro-Clean Tech with Anti-Sebum Range

It isn't clean, until it’s Micro-Clean! (From left) Ms Carmen Foo, Senior Marketing Manager, Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, Ms Annette Ling, Managing Director, Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, and Mr. Naoyuki Egawa, R&D and Factory Director, Southern Lion Sdn Bhd

TOP is revolutionizing the Malaysian detergent industry with the introduction of its new breakthrough Micro-Clean Tech™ technology. Taglined ‘It’s not clean until It’s Micro-Clean’, the brand is encouraging consumers to attain next level, micro-cleaned laundry using its Anti-Sebum detergent technology.

TOP Micro-Clean Tech, is an advanced formula developed by Lion Corp Japan.   It has been efficiently cleaning common everyday visible stains and dirt since it was launched. However besides visible stains its Research & Development innovation has also included tackling the invisible stains and dirt that is not evident to our eyes but plays havoc with our desire to have hygienically clean clothes.

Today TOP takes on a NEW tough challenge, the invisible stains that leave visible impact on our clothing caused by ‘Sebum or Body oils’ that’s naturally secreted by our body everyday especially in our hot humid weather.

At the introduction of TOP Micro-Clean Tech™ range, and the launch of the Pass It On community campaign. (From left) Mr. Robin Loh, Sales Director, Lam Soon Edible Oils Sdn Bhd, Ms Pua Poi Tuan, Senior Merchandiser Manager, AEON Co (M) Berhad, Ms Christina Yong, Marketing Director, Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, Ms Annette Ling, Dr. Waitchalla Suppiah, Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Mr. Edward Liew, Deputy Managing Director, Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, Ms Carmen Foo, Mr. Naoyuki Egawa and Mr. Tatsuya Horiuchi, Incoming Managing Director, Southern Lion Sdn Bhd.

This sebum often gets trapped deep in the fabric core that ordinary detergent does not remove well causing white clothes to turn yellowish and even coloured clothes to look dull.

The trapped sebum is also a nutrient source for bacteria, which can result in unpleasant odour even in clothes that has been washed.  Especially seen in clothes that are worn in outdoor activities.

The result is cleaner laundry for a happier and healthier lifestyle.

The TOP Micro-Clean Tech with Anti-Sebum range includes all the functionality that TOP is famed for including its anti-malodour, anti-mite dust, antibacterial and FreshCare™ fragrance technology up to 30 days freshness after washing. 

According to Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, Senior Marketing Manager of Fabric Care Department, Ms Carmen Foo, the innovativeness of TOP Micro-Clean Tech innovation offers next level of clean, and the emotional benefit of a happier lifestyle for a better tomorrow.

As part of the launch, TOP is giving back to community through its TOP Pass It On campaign so that more people can experience the benefits of its new technology.

TOP Pass It On Community campaign takes what its breakthrough technology can do – revive, refresh and renew clothes. The campaign is based on the premise that everybody deserves Micro-Clean-ed clothes, for a cleaner, happier and healthier lifestyle.  This is where the campaign helps the communities at large.

The TOP Pass It On Community Campaign was launched by the Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Yang Berusaha Dr. Waitchalla Suppiah, at the 1Utama Mall, here, today.

She commended TOP for its efforts in enabling a platform for communities to assist and empower their members, with a strong element of environmental conservation through the emphasis on recycling, while promoting the importance of a cleaner, happier and healthier lifestyle.

The four-step Pass It On campaign will see TOP collecting and sorting pre-loved clothes given by the public, having them professionally laundered using TOP Micro-Clean Tech to refresh and revive them before having them ironed and packed. The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development will then gift the clothes to those who can benefit from them.

“The TOP ‘Pass It On’ Community campaign is very much in-line with the ideals of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development; and in-line with the way we help our constituents.  The Ministry is fully committed to adopt and implement productive welfare to break the vicious cycle of poverty by creating self-reliant people, aiding them with the equipment, machinery or seed money that they need to succeed. Now we can add pre-loved clothing to the aid we can share with them,” YBrs. Dr. Waitchalla Suppiah said.

“This is a campaign about shared memories and shared experiences. We applaud TOP for developing a meaningful and practical means of helping the ‘haves’ share with the ‘have nots’, while reducing environmental waste in the form of textiles and clothing that are still usable that end up in landfills.   A ringgit value cannot be attached to such a contribution because it is emotional and psychological, helping to rebuild self-esteem, and gift people with the outfits that can help them realise their potential.  TOP has put in place a sustainable program that involves communities nationwide in helping those who have the least. I am encouraged that programs like TOP Pass It On takes a 360 degrees approach through its private-public-people collaborations.” YBrs. Dr. Waitchalla Suppiah further elaborated.

(From left) Ms Annette Ling, Managing Director, Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, witnessing Dr. Waitchalla Suppiah, Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, dropping the first pre-loved clothes for the TOP Pass It On community campaign.

“So much of our clothing is unused and wasted as our tastes, personal style and our bodies change. TOP Micro-Clean Tech can revive and refresh such pre-loved clothing before it is passed on to others. The TOP Pass it On Community campaign is our platform to help communities support their members by enabling them to share their pre-loved clothing, that we will launder with TOP Micro-Clean Tech, before collaborating with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to gift them to those under the Ministry’s care,” Ms Foo said.

To close the cycle, communities and individuals are encouraged to share their experience with at www.toppassiton.my. They can also find out more about the campaign and its locations.

“The TOP Micro-Clean Tech Pass It On community campaign takes what our breakthrough technology can do – revive, refresh and renew clothes, and applies it to a bigger issue of supporting and empowering communities with micro-cleaned pre-loved clothing that is suitable for their daily and special occasion needs.” Ms Foo added.

TOP Micro-Clean Tech with anti-sebum technology is available at retailers, nationwide.

To find out more please visit http://www.southernlion.com.my or call customer care line at 1800-88-0133.

Orchid Collaborates with Watsons Malaysia to Announce Winners of First Ever Orchid ‘Be Yourself’ Competition

The first ever Orchid ‘Be Yourself’ competition finale rocked the house at Alamanda Shopping Centre in Putrajaya, as talented finalists gave their all as they out-acted, out-sang, out-danced and outshone each other to grab the chance of winning RM6,000 in total cash prizes, exclusive Orchid feminine wash products and the once-in-a-lifetime experience to star beside Orchid brand ambassador, Sazzy Falak, in a short firm produced by local production mega house Metrowealth International Group (MiG)!

In efforts to empower more Malaysian women to openly address the topic of intimate feminine hygiene, Orchid, an up-and coming feminine wash range, organized its first ever ‘Be Yourself’ competition, in conjunction with its #Malu?TakMalu! campaign which encourages women to join in the conversation.

Nabbing the first prize in the ‘Be Yourself’ competition finals is Hamiza Hanapi, 32, from Selangor, as Noor Lyianna Binti Akhir Rudin, 25, from Selangor took the second place. Coming in third place was Sharifah Norbaizura Binti Syied Mohd Safie, 32, also from Selangor. The competition was judged by, Malaysian TV Host, actress and Orchid’s brand ambassador, Sazzy Falak, Ms Tan Joo In from Orchid and Ms Carrol Tan from Watsons Malaysia.

The competition finale was joined by Watsons Personal Care Stores (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Watsons Malaysia), a Health, Wellness and Beauty solution retailer, operating with over 400 stores in Malaysia. To date, Watsons Malaysia carries 1000 brands ranging from medicines, health supplements, skincare, toiletries and cosmetics. Orchid’s products are available at Watsons, nationwide.

The diverse range of talents featured acting, singing, dancing, as well as a martial arts performance. The competition was a hit, with hundreds of entries received via Orchid’s social media pages. 12 individuals whom stood out were shortlisted, as they came a step closer to be in the running for money-can’t buy prizes.

The Orchid ‘Be Yourself’ contest ran on Orchid’s official Facebook page from May 30 to November 30 last year, and saw entries from many confident, modern and talented Malaysian women.

“These women have what it takes as performers – the talent, the showmanship and from what we can see there has been a fair amount of thought, planning and practice for those who excelled. However, the top three outdid the others through stage presence, confidence, audience interaction, showmanship and creativity. Overall the talent show was very impressive,” said Sazzy.

The Orchid Feminine Hygiene range contains nourishing and traditional cleansing ingredients such as Manjakani, Kacip Fatimah and Daun Sirih (Betel Leaf) that gently deodorizes, brightens and strengthens delicate skin, providing a balanced solution that caters to every skin type. The gentle formula is designed to enhance hygiene, comfort and intimate balance while helping to reduce itchiness and discomfort caused by imbalanced vaginal pH.

Orchid Feminine Wash is available in three variants of Intim, Romantis and Anggun. The femininely shaped 210ml bottles retail at RM4.75 each, and are available nationwide.

Product Manager, Household & Personal Care, Marketing Division of Lam Soon Edible Oils Sdn Bhd, Ms Tan Joo In said that the contest aims to encourage more women to step up and be empowered by their femininity rather than to be ashamed to address concerns that might be causing them to worry or to feel less confident.

“We are happy that more and more Malaysian women stepped up to join the conversation, and participated in the ‘Be Yourself’ contest. Aside from gaining confidence on a wider stage, those who engage could exchange information and we could establish a community of women who care about every aspect of being well-equipped with the knowledge of hygiene and general wellbeing,” said Ms Tan.

To find out more about the Orchid #Malu?TakMalu! campaign and the best tips on feminine hygiene, please visit https://www.facebook.com/NewOrchidBrand/.

TOP with Micro Clean Tech™ Brings Next Level Cleaning Technology to Malaysia

TOP, the No.1 detergent brand in Malaysia¹ is revolutionizing the Malaysian detergent industry yet again, with the introduction of its new breakthrough Micro-Clean Tech™ technology.

Tag lined ‘It’s not clean until It’s Micro-Clean’, the brand is encouraging consumers to attain next level, micro-cleaned laundry using its Anti-Sebum detergent technology.

Visible and Invisible Stains, Effectively Removed by TOP Micro Clean Tech™, Even from Fabric Cores

TOP Micro-Clean Tech™ detergent has innovative anti-sebum technology that pull out trapped sweat and sebum, as well as other trapped molecules from fabric cores. Trapped sweat and sebum molecules cause the yellowing of white and light coloured fabrics, and dullness of colored fabrics. These trapped sweat and sebum stains are also the main cause of the unpleasant odour around armholes, sleeves and collars, even after clothes have been laundered.

TOP Micro Clean Tech™ has been specially formulated to quickly and efficiently pull out trapped sweat and sebum, break them down to micro-size and prevent them from resettling on fabric.

Visible stains such as coffee, tomato sauce, chocolate and blood; as well as common Malaysian ‘tough stains’ such as sambal belacan and dark soy sauce are also easily micro-cleaned by TOP Micro Clean Tech™.

TOP Micro Clean Tech™ removes tough invisible and visible stains, easily!

Why TOP Micro Clean Tech™ Is The Detergent for Malaysians

TOP invests in research and development to seek out solutions to laundry issues to delight consumers and serve them better, through innovations and breakthroughs.

Many consumers have become resigned to the yellowing and dullness of laundered clothes that have been stored for long periods, the unpleasant odour of school uniforms and clothes used for exercising, or daily work with staining around the armholes, and the collar, and the frustration of bright coloured clothes that look dull after a few rounds of being laundered.

TOP’s researchers in Malaysia found that yellowing of white fabrics, and the dullness of bright fabrics, as well as unpleasant odours on laundered fabrics were issues that could be traced back to trapped sweat & sebum. They set out to create a solution to these issues that many consumers have accepted as inevitable.

TOP Micro Clean Tech™ provides a holistic, next level cleaning solution to almost all laundry issues, including these previously ‘unsolvable’ issues.

Malaysia is an equatorial country with high temperature, and humidity, year round. Sweating heavily is commonplace due to these factors. Our bodies naturally produce sebum or body oil, a light yellow, oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands. We tend to produce more sebum when the temperature rises. Like sweat, sebum stains are notoriously difficult to remove using regular detergents.

TOP’s research and development team studied the problem of ground-in sweat and sebum, and developed a solution in the form of TOP Micro Clean Tech™ detergent technology to enhance consumers’ lifestyles and embrace a micro-cleaned lifestyle.

The Micro-Clean Tech™ detergent technology includes micro molecules that can penetrate deep to pull out and breakdown sweat and sebum from within fabric cores. The advanced formulation also ensures that sweat, sebum and other dirt molecules are well dispersed in laundry water to prevent them being redeposited onto fabric.

Just one wash with TOP’s Micro Clean Tech™ will revive and refresh fabrics. Expect laundry water to be murkier as sweat and sebum, as well as other stain-causing molecules are successfully and thoroughly removed.

The revolutionary formulation maintains the TOP Anti-Malodour and Anti Mite-dust detergent functionalities that Malaysians have come to know and trust from the brand.

Southern Lion Sdn Bhd Senior Marketing Manager, Ms Carmen Foo said that TOP continues to drive innovation with the purpose of giving consumers a better lifestyle in line with its brand promise of Innovation for Better Living. The brand invests in consumer insights to uncover real-life issues, and increase the performance of its products.

“Malaysian consumers had highlighted their most pressing laundry issues which our researchers traced to sweat and sebum.  We responded by developing the revolutionary Micro Clean Tech™ detergent technology, for TOP to lead the anti-sebum detergent market in Malaysia.

“As the proven market leader in the detergent category, TOP has continuously evolved to match Malaysian consumers’ needs over the years. The introduction of Micro-Clean Tech™ strengthens our position, while enhancing the lives of Malaysian” added Ms. Foo.

TOP Micro-Clean Tech™ is now available nationwide with a host of new variants that have been specifically developed, each with a unique fragrance to cater to the different needs of consumers. The new variants added to the liquid range includes the TOP Blooming Pleasures and TOP Odour Buster.

To reflect the breakthrough formulation inside, the packaging of the entire range has been uplifted to be sleekly modern to look at, and more ergonomic making it easier to pour, and seal.

Get micro-cleaned to experience ‘It’s not clean until It’s Micro-Clean’. 

As a consumer-focused brand, TOP Micro-Clean Tech™ offers a wide range of variants to maintain the texture and quality of your clothes.

High Efficiency (H.E) detergents produce a lower amount of suds than traditional laundry detergents. They are developed for high-efficiency, front-load washing machines and certain top-loading washers that use much less water than traditional top-load machines. When traditional detergents are used in one of these washing machines, too much suds are produced, increasing the chance that mold can grow within the washer; and laundry will not be well cleaned, as there is insufficient water to completely rinse the detergent away. Too much detergent in any washer causes wear and tear on the machine over time.

TOP Low Suds range meant for front loader machine

HE detergents and the washing machine that use them are specially formulated and designed to work together as an effective cleaning system for optimum performance.

Super Low Suds

TOP's high efficiency (HE) low suds formula is specially developed for front load machines to give you an efficient and effective wash. Be confident that your laundry is free of visible and invisible stain, with   TOP Micro Clean Tech™ because ‘It’s not clean until it’s micro clean’.

To find out more please visit http://www.southernlion.com.my or call customer care line at 1800-88-0133.

World Kidney Day 2017 Event in Putrajaya for ‘Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Kidneys’

World Kidney Day 2017 Event in Putrajaya for ‘Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Kidneys’

Malaysian Society of Nephrology invites the public to join the fun cycling and walk event

The World Kidney Day 2017 (WKD17) is an annual event and this year’s focus is on healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity as obesity can lead to chronic kidney disease. Obesity remains the number one preventable risk factor for chronic kidney disease because obesity largely mediates diabetes and hypertension, the 2 most common etiologies for end-stage kidney disease. Overweight and obese people are also more prone to develop albuminuria and, for at least some types of kidney disease, a greater amount of albuminuria and more rapid progression of renal failure. Apart from that, obesity also leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and other serious health problems.

According to WKD17 organising chair, Dr Lily Mushahar, senior consultant nephrologist, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, one of the more effective ways of making Malaysians slim down to a healthier weight is through proper education, exposure and awareness. Dr Lily said that eating has become a part of our local culture. Our local food, especially those with high calorie content is one of the contributing factors to the high prevalence of obesity amongst Malaysians.

“We are a multicultural nation with a wide selection of delicious delicacies. However, most of these foods are usually made up of glutinous rice, coconut milk with a high content of sugar. What we can do is to educate everyone on this epidemic and create awareness for a better, healthier lifestyle through this national level World Kidney Day 2017 on the 18^th of March, with the Cycling Convoy flagging off from Hospital Serdang to Taman Botani, Fun Run, Zumba and a lot more activities that promote and encourage healthy lifestyle. This year’s WKD17 celebration is special as it started off with a group of 30 cyclists pedalled 633KM from Kangar to Putrajaya over 6 days – all in a bid to raise awareness regarding the importance of healthy lifestyle, exercise to combat obesity and kidney diseases! The journey involves 16 pit stops where the 30 cyclists will spread health messages and collect signatures on a banner, which will be officially given to the Deputy Health Minister on the 18^th of March at Putrajaya during the official launce of WKD17 celebration. ” said Dr Lily.

Major private companies such as Lucenxia, Baxter, Fresenius, Sanofi, Kyowa Kirin, Roche and AJ Pharma are also helping to promote and sponsor the event.

“This program is very interesting because not only will there be fun and healthy activities that everyone can participate, but there will also be a talk on kidney health awareness and how to take care of them. Being obese is very closely linked to chronic kidney diseases which can be prevented if more people are aware of their unhealthy eating habits and their sedentary urban lifestyle that lacks exercise,” added Dr Lily.

There will be free health screening including measurement of body mass index, blood glucose level and blood pressure measurement. There will also be various booths promoting health, outdoor activity equipment and a blood donation campaign at Taman Botani Putrajaya this March 18, 2017.

According to the findings by World Health Organization, about 600 million of the world population were overweight and about 41 million of children under the age of 5 years are either overweight or obese.

Revealed recently by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, obese Malaysians make up 17.7 percent while the ones that are overweight make up about 30 percent, bringing the percentage to 47.7 percent in total. Statistically, Malaysia is the most obese country in Asia and the officials blame it on the high calorie diet and sedentary urban lifestyle. The health minister has also warned that the country is in the midst of obesity epidemic.

For more information on World Kidney Day 2017 and for registration, please visit http://goo.gl/zMQehB for fun run, and http://goo.gl/NpKmJK for fun cycling ride.