LASS to hold carnival for a worthy cause

Liew (5th from left), flanked by Ting (on her right) and Koh, with the rest of the LASS delegation displaying the carnival's promotional poster.

12 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Lions Ambulance Service Society (LASS) will be organising the Cultural Music and Dance Carnival: Back to School.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has expressed its support for the forthcoming event.

It's Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the carnival aims to raise funds for KK LASS, a voluntary organisation committed to providing free, round-the-clock ambulance services to patients across Kota Kinabalu.

“I understand that over the past 15 years, the Society has saved more than 10,000 lives and supported countless families during emergencies,” she said.

"KePKAS will make a contribution to the carnival in recognition of its role in raising the much-needed funds for Kota Kinabalu LASS's laudable mission.

"I call on benefactors and the general public to patronise the carnival for a noble cause," she said after receiving a courtesy call by a delegation from the Society led by its Chairman Thomas Ting Shu Kiong on Wednesday.

Ting, who is also Past President of the Lions Club of KK Lintas, said the Society was formed by members of the Lions Clubs in Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas, and officially registered in 2010.

Briefing the minister, Past District Governor (District 308-A2) Karen Koh of the Lions Club of Tanjung Aru said Kota Kinabalu LASS aims to raise RM300,000 through the sale of tickets for the carnival, and donations from  philanthropists, the corporate sector and well-wishers, among other potential donors.

"We operate four ambulances, with an annual operating cost of RM300,000. We have a team of qualified and well-trained personnel on board," she said.

Medical Committee Chairman Dr Wah Hai Sit of the Lions Club of KK Mandarin mooted the idea of setting up a free ambulance service in 2007. He dismissed the perception that LASS was duplicating the role of other ambulance service providers, saying "On the contrary, our Society complements the services of the State Health Department and other non-government bodies."

Carnival Organising Chairperson Lim Wuang Ching, who is the Charter President of Lions Club of Luyang ACE, said the event will be held on October 12 at the Kian Kok Middle School Hall from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. It is a collaborative effort by 16 Lions Clubs, according to her.

Also present were President of Lions Club of Ranau Channon Chai, Past President of Lions Club of KK Sutera, Judy Wong, Past President of Lions Club of KK Capital, Mary Pang, Past President of Lions Club of KK Central, Jackson Tseu, and Sharon Chin, a member of the Lions Club of Tanjung Aru.

Information, can be acquired from (012-5678599) or Judy (012-8222862).