14,000 Malaysian youths sacrificed their weekend and braved through 30 hours of fasting at World Vision Malaysia’s 30-hour Famine Countdown in Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam on Sunday.

The youths were part of the 28,000 participants from 185 Do-It-Yourself (DIY) camps across Malaysia who successfully raised nearly RM1.8 million to date for World Vision projects fighting hunger and poverty in the country and also around the world.

They were able to abstain from solid food for 30 consecutive hours and got their families and friends to contribute to World Vision’s projects.

The 30-hour Famine Countdown is more than just a campaign.
This year also marks World Vision’s 20th anniversary in Malaysia. Since its establishment, the 30-hour Famine campaign has raised over RM30 million for communities in 18 countries.

The theme for this year, ‘One Future: No Hunger’ focuses on the importance of sustainable solutions in achieving a future without hunger.

In the DIY Camps, the youths managed to learn more about global issues of hunger and poverty, and discovered their potential to improve the lives of the less fortunate.

World Vision Malaysia Interim Head Arthur Chan commended the participants for sacrificing their comfort and convenience to be part of this campaign.

“It is an encouraging sight when young Malaysians willingly battle hunger and fatigue to complete their fast and gain a glimpse of what children and families in poverty go through every day.

“It is even more inspiring when they choose to act upon their new-found knowledge and make a difference in their own way,” he said.

Taiwanese singer Rachel Liang is one of World Vision's ambassadors who came to support the cause and encourage the participants at the Countdown.
Some of the beneficiaries from the campaign which are closer to home include World Vision Malaysia’s community development work in Sabah, Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, Good Shepherd Services, Dignity for Children Foundation, PACOS Trust, Fugee School, El Shaddai Centre, and Yayasan Sin Chew.

The funds collected will be directed towards helping the disabled communities grow their income, providing refugee communities with holistic learning environments, giving underprivileged children access to quality education and building a sustainable community in the rural parts of Malaysia.

If you wish to donate to the 30-hour Famine campaign, you can do so at the official website or contact World Vision Malaysia at 03-78806414.

Let’s all join the global effort in abolishing hunger and poverty!