KUNAK: More than 100 boys took part in a mass circumcision programme organised by Kunak Assemblyman Datuk Seri Anil Sandhu in collaboration with the Kunak District Mosque and the Ministry of Health at Masjid Nurul Iman, Kunak, on Friday.
Anil, who is also Assistant Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy Minister, said the programme was part of a welfare initiative aimed at providing direct benefits to the community, particularly through free circumcision services for children from low-income (B40) families.
He said this year's programme was the fourth edition fully sponsored by him to help ease the financial burden on parents while fulfilling a religious obligation for Muslim children.
According to Anil, circumcision is a requirement in Islam and has been scientifically proven to provide various health benefits, including improved personal hygiene and a reduced risk of certain diseases.
Before the procedure began, the children gathered at the mosque compound and took part in a traditional water-spraying session involving a Fire and Rescue Department vehicle.
The circumcision procedures were carried out at the Datuk Zainal Gunong Mini Hall adjacent to the town mosque by qualified healthcare personnel from Kunak Hospital.
Anil also contributed RM10,000 towards the programme's management costs, while the district mosque provided the facilities and support required for the event.
He said the increasing number of participants each year indicated that many B40 families still required assistance in obtaining free circumcision services for their children, adding that efforts would be made to expand participation in future programmes.
