Santa Run 2017 raises RM128,000 for charity
Other than just work, we need to make sure we have a very healthy mind and body. That is very important because without a healthy body, there is no way anyone can perform and excel in their work.
SAMALAJU: More than 1,000 people took part in the fifth Press Metal Santa Run at Samalaju Industrial Park yesterday, raising RM128,000 for charity in the process.
This year’s charity event was special as it was run inc onjunction with Samalaju Sports Carnival 2017, jointly hosted by Sarawak Energy Bhd ( SEB).
Minister in Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip officiated at the opening ceremony.
Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi, Press Metal executive vice- chairman Koon Poh Ming, its group chief executive officer Tan Sri Datuk Paul Koon Poh Keong and general manager Choa Wei Keong, as well as SEB vicepresident Marconi Madai were among those present.
Tan Sri Datuk Paul Koon Poh Keong, Press Metal Berhad group chief executive officer
Koon, in his welcoming speech, extended his gratitude to Talib for being able to officiate at the event, representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“I also would like to take this opportunity to extend a big thank you to our beloved chief minister for his undivided support for our event,” he said, adding that everyone had been looking forward to the event as it provided the opportunity for everyone to mingle while having fun participating in a healthy activity.
“Other than just work, we need to make sure we have a very healthy mind and body. That is very important because without a healthy body, there is no way anyone can perform and excel in their work,” he said.
According to Koon, the fund- raising event is part of Press Metal’s corporate social responsibility to give back to the local community.
“This year, we have raised more than RM120,000. It is a very meaningful sum and we would like to thank all the corporate sponsors and participants.”
He added the Samalaju Sports Carnival, jointly run with SEB for the first time this year, featured badminton, table tennis, football, futsal and other activities.
“We hope this event helps the industries and their employees get together and know each other. It’s a great event that we should continue to hold and make more meaningful in the future,” said Koon.
The proceeds from the fund- raiser were distributed to Peryatim Bintulu, St John’s Ambulance Malaysia Hemodialysis Bintulu Centre, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society, and The Salvation Army Rainbow Centre.
Santa Run 2017 was divided into three categories – Run-Kids and Parents (4km), VVIP (4km/8km) and Adults ( 8km).
The top- three runners in the men’s category were Sii Tuong Jing, Ling Tai Ming and Adrian Yeoh respectively, while Lee Siew Shen, Serena and Joyce Ho were the top three in the women’s category.