Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff) successfully raised RM172,700, benefitting 24 welfare organisations and schools in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Kuala Lumpur, with 80 Malakoff employees and business associates cycling the gruelling 480km from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur over three days to raise funds for charitable causes.

Organised for the eighth consecutive year, the “Sports for Charity” Ride is an initiative under Malakoff’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility platform – the Malakoff Community Partnerships.

Speaking at the ceremony to commemorate the end of the Ride, Zainal Abidin Jalil, the Chief Executive Officer of Malakoff said, “Malakoff and our partners are proud to support the 24 welfare organisations and schools to champion community empowerment and education programmes in rural areas and for the benefit of the underprivileged. This is in line with Malakoff’s commitment to be a responsible and active participant of the local community.”

“The Malakoff Annual Charity Ride also provides a unique platform for us to collaborate with our stakeholders to establish friendships while inculcating a healthy lifestyle,” he added.

Malakoff rallied 28 of its business partners and associates to contribute and participate in the fundraising effort. In the spirit of giving, leading benefactors included Alstom Asia Pacific, Bank Muamalat, Allianz General Insurance, Gas Malaysia Berhad, Mudajaya Corporation Berhad and Sterling Insurance Brokers.

Proceeds raised were distributed to a total of 24 selected welfare organisations and schools located along the route. Recipients included Pusat Jagaan Nur Muhammad, Asnaf Murni, Malaysian Association for the Blind, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Orang Kerdil Malaysia and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Dan Pendidikan Raudhatul Ikhwani as well as SK Andek Mori, SK Sungai Boh, SK Seri Sinaran Chokoh and SJK (C) Pei Chiao.

Zainal added, “I am pleased that our business partners and associates share our passion for charity and sports as demonstrated by their unwavering support as well as active participation in the event.”

“Thank you to our supporters who have contributed to make this year’s ‘Sports for Charity’ Ride another outstanding fundraising event. I hope our business partners and associates will continue to participate in the spirit of friendship in future Malakoff Annual Charity Rides,” he said.

Over the past seven years, donations from business associates have increased steadily from RM47,900 in 2006 to RM170,000 in 2011, totalling close to RM750,000 during this time. The Annual Charity Ride last year saw a record collection of RM206,000 reflecting the growing popularity and support for the initiative from Malakoff’s employees and its business partners.

Since the inaugural Ride, participants have cycled a total distance of 3575km covering each state in Peninsular Malaysia and contributing to over 90 charity homes and orphanages along the way.

Speaking after the Ride, a seasoned cyclist, Azman Ali, 48, said “This is arguably one of the most physically enduring fundraising initiatives I have joined. However, knowing that it is for a good cause, it makes the challenge even more fulfilling.”

“The enthusiastic spirit and support from the Riders also helped to spur me on to complete the Ride. I would like to commend Malakoff for organising such a meaningful event and hope to be able to participate again next year,” he added.

Apart from the Malakoff Annual Charity Ride, Malakoff will organise the Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride which is another highly anticipated community-based cycling event in Penang at the end of the year.

The Company also actively champions competitive sporting events, such as the tri-legged Malakoff University Duathlon Series which will conclude in Universiti Putra Malaysia on 1 June. Other upcoming races scheduled to be held also includes Powerman Malaysia on 27 October and the Malakoff Kuala Lumpur Run on 15 December.