KUCHING: GoBald 2026, the 18th edition of Sarawak’s largest head-shaving fundraiser, raised over RM100,000 in the city on Sunday (July 7).
Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said all 101 participants in the city shaved their heads in solidarity with children battling cancer.
“In Sarawak, the overall ecosystem is very strong and supportive of cancer patients and their families, especially in terms of medical treatment.
“Sarawak also has research in this field and this clinical research effort is seen as a strong and valuable initiative globally, aimed at finding answers that can improve cancer treatment and outcomes,” she told reporters after officiating GoBald 2026 organised by the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) at a mall on Saturday (July 4).
SCCS President Mary Kiu Ai Ling said the organisation has supported more than 1,800 families since 2001 through medical sponsorships, financial aid, accommodation, transport, emotional care and access to specialised treatment.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the public and the success of fundraising initiatives such as GoBald,” she said.
She added that SCCS spent RM4.048 million in 2025 to support children with cancer and their families, with more than RM2 million allocated for critical medical sponsorships including procedures, specialised drugs, consumables, laboratory tests and prostheses.
So far this year, the organisation has funded over RM238,000 for specialised drugs and procedures involving five children.
She also said that sustained public support remains crucial to ensure continuous assistance for affected families.
“This year, we aim to raise RM1 million and inspire 300 individuals to shave their heads in support of children with cancer.
“Every ringgit raised and every head shaved helps us continue providing essential support to families when they need it most,” she said.
