Hundreds of Penangites gathered as early as 7am on May 29 for the End Polio Carnival 2026 in George Town, in a strong show of support for public health awareness, preventive healthcare and community solidarity.
The carnival, jointly organised by several Rotary Clubs in Penang together with healthcare and community partners, featured a line-up of meaningful activities including the launch of the “End Polio” billboard in George Town, a charity fun walk, a free medical camp and a charity food fair in aid of Penang Crystal Family Home.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, who officiated the event, described the carnival as more than just a community gathering.
“Today’s event is more than just a carnival. It reflects the spirit of community care, public health awareness, and unity among the people of Penang,” he said in his speech.
Rajendran praised the collaboration between Rotary Clubs, non-governmental organisations, healthcare institutions, volunteers and community leaders in driving initiatives that promote healthier living and compassionate community engagement.
“As mayor of Penang Island, I am proud to see Rotary Clubs, NGOs, healthcare organisations, volunteers, and community leaders working hand in hand to create a healthier, more compassionate, and more vibrant city for our people,” he added.
One of the key highlights of the carnival was the official launch of the “End Polio” billboard in George Town, aimed at strengthening public awareness on vaccination and disease prevention.
Rajendran said although polio is no longer commonly seen today, public awareness and preventive healthcare efforts remain crucial in ensuring a safer future for coming generations.
“This is a meaningful effort led by Rotary International District 3300 and the Rotary Clubs involved to educate the public on the importance of vaccination and disease prevention, especially for future generations,” he said.
Rotary International District 3300 governor Edward Khoo said the campaign goes beyond the global mission of eradicating polio.
“It is also about creating stronger public awareness and community participation in protecting future generations through education, vaccination, and collective action,” he said.
The mayor also commended the continuous efforts by Rotary Clubs in Penang for their contribution towards dialysis-related community services, preventive healthcare programmes and humanitarian projects benefitting the local community.
He noted that MBPP has been supporting Rotary’s humanitarian initiatives by providing a discounted rental rate for the operation of a community dialysis centre to help reduce operational costs and ensure more patients continue receiving affordable treatment and care.
Apart from health awareness programmes, the carnival also featured an End Polio Charity Fun Walk, which attracted participants from Penang and northern Malaysia in support of the global fight against polio.
A bikers’ convoy was also flagged off in the morning to help spread awareness across Penang Island.
Meanwhile, the free medical camp focused on preventive healthcare and early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes and hypertension — health conditions often described as “silent killers”.
Free screenings conducted during the programme included blood pressure checks, glucose testing, urine protein analysis and basic health consultations.
Rajendran stressed the importance of early detection and preventive healthcare.
“Early detection and preventive screening are extremely important, especially for chronic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension, which continue to affect many Malaysians silently,” he said.
The Charity Food Fair, another major attraction of the carnival, was organised to raise funds for Penang Crystal Family Home, with proceeds channelled towards supporting the welfare home’s operational and welfare needs.
Besides food and beverages, the fair also featured games and family-friendly activities aimed at encouraging compassion and community participation.
“I believe events like this help strengthen social unity, encourage volunteerism, and create a stronger sense of belonging within our community,” Rajendran said.
He also expressed appreciation to all organisers, volunteers, healthcare professionals, sponsors, bikers groups, NGOs and members of the public for making the event possible.
“Let us continue working together to build a healthier, more caring, and more vibrant Penang for everyone,” he added.