Thousands of everyday purchases have helped support children undergoing cancer treatment, with RM156,305.23 raised for Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) through Lotus’s Malaysia’s fourth anniversary campaign.
For a child, school, friends and everyday routines are simply part of growing up. But cancer can suddenly put those simple joys on hold, bringing fear and uncertainty into a young life.
The diagnosis can also bring emotional distress to patients and their families, while the demands of treatment can add financial pressure to households already struggling to make ends meet.
From left to right: Rais Asraf, MAKNA Executive; Hanita Hanim, MAKNA Assistant Project Manager; Erica Tam Lotus’s Commercial Director (Grocery); Azliza Baizura Azmel Lotus’s Executive Director Corporate Services; May Li Lotus’s Commercial Director; Azlina Mohd Rashid, MAKNA Head of Department; Ravi Varman, MAKNA Assistant Head of Division; Tarmizi Abdul Rahman, MAKNA Assistant Project Manager.
Through its Bursary Assistance, MAKNA helps patients and families meet some of the practical costs of cancer care, including transportation to hospitals, medical appliances and other treatment related needs. The assistance can help patients continue treatment when these costs become barriers to care.
The funds will also support MAKNA’s Scholarship Programme for children from cancer affected families, helping those whose education may be disrupted by illness and financial difficulties to continue their studies and work towards better opportunities.
Through its annual Kongsi Ceria anniversary initiative, Lotus’s contributes 0.5 per cent of sales from its Own Brand products during the anniversary month towards children’s healthcare needs. The campaign ran from 7 May to 6 June 2026.
“MAKNA is committed to supporting cancer patients at every stage of life, from children to the elderly. Cancer does not discriminate by age, and neither should access to care. We are not just helping patients through today’s challenges; we are giving them the strength and opportunity to look towards a better tomorrow,” said Puan Farahida Mohd Farid, General Manager of MAKNA.
Childhood cancer can disrupt schooling and everyday life, with time spent in hospital often meaning missed classes, time with friends and other childhood activities. Parents also have to balance treatment costs with household expenses.
For underprivileged families, these pressures can make it harder to maintain continuity of care and education. MAKNA’s bursary and scholarship assistance addresses some of these practical and financial challenges.
Fifi Nurdianna (L), MAKNA Executive and Noor Suhaila, MAKNA Executive with a pediatric cancer patient.
The contribution came from customers who bought Lotus’s Own Brand products during the anniversary month. While individual purchases may have seemed small, collectively they generated funds that can be channelled towards children and families receiving support from MAKNA.
The initiative demonstrates the value of long term collaborations between charitable organisations and corporate partners. By combining Lotus’s broad customer reach with MAKNA’s experience supporting cancer patients and their families, the partnership helps ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.
Lotus’s Malaysia said its anniversary is an opportunity to give back to the communities it serves.
“Through our customers’ everyday purchases, we hope to ease the burden on families and give children fighting cancer a better chance at recovery,” said Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director Corporate Services of Lotus’s Malaysia.
Lotus’s has also extended its anniversary giving beyond cancer care. As part of its wider 2026 initiative, brand partner P&G raised funds through product sales at Lotus’s stores to support children with special needs under the care of Tender Touch Rehabilitation Center and Gabungan Anak Anak Palsy Sereberum (GAPS) Malaysia.
For children and families navigating cancer, such support can help maintain access to treatment and education while easing some of the financial pressures that come with care.
