KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — A 680km journey across Borneo is being undertaken with one clear purpose: to give critically ill children a fighting chance at life.
Sepeda Amal Borneo 2026 (SAB2026), the flagship charity initiative by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), returns for its fifth year since launching in 2022.
Taking place from July 26 to 31, 2026, SAB2026 aims to raise critical funds to support children requiring specialised paediatric surgical care, strengthen early awareness and referral efforts, and assist families living with Primary Immunodeficiencies (PID).
While the ride spans Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, to Miri, Sarawak, its purpose reaches far beyond the road, addressing a pressing gap in access to timely, specialised care.
For many families, the challenge is not just medical, but financial and logistical, often delaying treatment at the most critical moments.
Funds raised will support the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery (MAPS) and Persatuan Pesakit Imunodefisiensi Primer Malaysia (MYPOPI), two organisations working at the forefront of care, advocacy, and support for affected children and their families.
“Every child deserves the chance to grow, to recover, and to live a full life. Yet for many families, access to urgent and specialised care remains out of reach.
“Sepeda Amal Borneo is a platform to bring people together, to turn awareness into action, and compassion into tangible support for those who need it most”, said Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, MMA president.
“Despite medical advances, critical gaps remain. SAB2026 reflects the medical fraternity’s continued commitment to bridging these gaps, ensuring that no child is left behind,” he added.
While paediatric surgical care is available within Malaysia’s public health care system, timely access can still be affected by awareness gaps at the community level. As a result, some children with serious surgical conditions are only referred when their conditions have progressed, delaying critical intervention.
At the same time, Primary Immunodeficiencies — a group of rare, genetic disorders that weaken the immune system — are frequently underdiagnosed, leaving children vulnerable to severe and recurrent infections.
“Too many children are still being diagnosed late because families are unaware that their condition is treatable and time-sensitive. Earlier awareness leads directly to earlier intervention and better outcomes.
“SAB2026 helps us close this gap by extending awareness and access to care where it is needed most,” said Prof Dr Shireen Anne Nah, MAPS president.
“Primary Immunodeficiencies are often not recognised until life-threatening complications arise. Many families endure a long and difficult journey before receiving a diagnosis.
“Greater awareness, early detection, and sustained support are essential to saving lives. Initiatives like SAB2026 play a vital role in making that possible,” said Bruce Lim, MYPOPI president.
Each year, Malaysia records approximately 400,000 births. Among them are children born with severe, life-threatening conditions requiring urgent intervention.
Globally, Primary Immunodeficiency affects an estimated 1 in 1,000 to 2,000 births, yet many cases remain undiagnosed. In Malaysia, more than 500 individuals are currently living with PID, a number that underscores the need for stronger awareness, earlier diagnosis, and accessible treatment.
SAB2026 brings together 23 cyclists from diverse countries and backgrounds who have committed to completing the 680km journey. While the ride is physically demanding, its purpose is clear: to rally support for children whose lives depend on timely care.
Members of the public are encouraged to support SAB2026 through donations, sponsorships, or by helping to spread awareness.
