The Cervical Cancer Awareness and Health Campaign jointly organised by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Crisis Relief Squad of MCA Foundation (Yayasan CRSM), and the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society Malaysia, was launched on 1 July 2009 at UTAR Petaling Jaya Campus.

Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Senator Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun launched the campaign, which was also endorsed by the Malaysian Ministry of Health.

In her speech, Datin Paduka Chew pointed out that cases of reproductive cancer in Malaysia has increased. More promotions on awareness and preventive activities have been organised by the government and various NGOs. "As these cancers are preventable, it is important that everyone be informed, educated and take the initiative to get themselves examined for early detection," she advised.

She said, "This awareness campaign is important and timely." "Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Malaysia , and it can occur at any age in a women's life."

UTAR staff and students took the opportunity to the make the most of the free services provided that day, which included health screening, medical consultation and a talk titled ?Cervical Cancer and other HPV Diseases'. Pap smear test for free was also held in a mobile clinic of Yayasan CRSM stationed at the venue and some of the female visitors went for the subsidised HPV vaccinations.

UTAR President, Ir. Prof. Dato' Dr. Chuah Hean Teik, who was also present at the campaign spoke of the University's emphasis on physical and mental health in UTAR educational philosophy and gave examples of activities held by the University to educate the students on the importance of health.

On collaboration with CRSM, Prof. Chuah said, "Our IT students have been contributing their knowledge and expertise in setting up the Volunteers Management System for CRSM, a comprehensive Web portal that provides relevant and adequate information for the coordination and management of nationwide crisis relief resources."

He added, "As advocates of holistic education, UTAR has long engaged its staff and students in voluntary social works to cultivate the culture of social responsibility especially among its students." "For any nation to be fully developed, its society must demonstrate a caring nature and cultivate caring values."

Datin Paduka Chew (third from right) cutting the ribbon to launch the campaign.

Datin Paduka Chew also took the opportunity to go for health screening

UTAR staff and students eagerly waiting for their turn to register for the health screening