KOTA SAMARAHAN, May 11 — The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF), in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak's (UNIMAS) Health Centre, organised the first-ever state-level World Kidney Day 2026 celebrations on Saturday (May 9).
The event was held in conjunction with this year’s global theme 'Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet', following the recent success of the National-level celebrations in the Klang Valley.
This initiative underscores a shared commitment with the UNIMAS Health Centre to promote kidney health awareness and foster a stronger culture of preventive care and healthy living for Sarawakians. In addition, NKF organised the World Kidney Day Charity Fun Run, marking a significant milestone in the state-level celebrations.
The 5km community run gathered approximately 250 participants, including students, staff, and members of the public. The event aimed to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention in reducing the risk of kidney disease and to foster stronger community engagement in public health.
“Kidney disease is often a silent threat, making early awareness and screening especially important. Strengthening public understanding in Sarawak is key to addressing this growing health challenge.
"Through continuous community engagement and preventive initiatives, we hope to encourage earlier detection and better health outcomes for all,” said Public Health, Housing, and Local Government II Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang.
“At NKF, we believe that kidney health is a shared responsibility. I am grateful to the Sarawak state and to UNIMAS Health Centre (PKU) for their support in raising awareness of kidney health among Sarawakians.
"We remain committed to working with our stakeholders to advance preventive care and expand community outreach in empowering more Malaysians with the knowledge to protect their kidney health," said NFK chief executive officer Choo Kok Ming.
“UNIMAS Health Centre welcomes and encourages collaborations for the sake of the UNIMAS community. We are committed to working together with partners to enhance health awareness and well-being on campus,” said UNIMAS Health Centre, Student Affairs, and Alumni head Dr Nurnazarina Mahrif.
Beyond the run, participants also took part in various health screenings and community engagement activities, including organ transplant exhibition booths and lucky draw sessions for attendees.
NKF continues its mission to promote kidney health awareness nationwide while supporting patients in need of life-sustaining care. Observed each year globally, World Kidney Day serves as a timely reminder for all Malaysians to prioritise prevention, encourage early detection, and ensure equitable access to kidney care.
For more information, visit https://nkf.org.my/ and https://www.hepa.unimas.my/ to learn more about the programme.
