CLAPRUN charity run continue raising awareness of cleft lip and palate
On 15th June, 2025, the 2025 CLAPRUN charity run was held at the UM Arena Stadium. This annual event is organised by the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya (UM), in collaboration with the Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (CLAPAM). CLAPRUN is part of the Baktisiswa Project (BAKSIS) of the Dental Student Society (DENSOC), a community service initiative led by UM fourth-year dental students. The project aims to provide voluntary services and uphold social responsibility by supporting communities in need.
Established in 2016, CLAPRUN is the brainchild of Professor Dr. Sabri Musa, a specialist in paediatric dentistry, and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, and Dean of its Faculty of Dentistry. He has been actively involved in treating and managing with cleft lip and palate patients.
What is cleft lip and cleft palate?
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when the tissues of the lip and/or the palate do not form properly during fetal development. Between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy, the lip and palate typically develop and fuse. In babies born with cleft conditions, this fusion is incomplete due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital conditions affecting the face. In Malaysia, it is estimated that 700 to 900 babies are born with a cleft condition annually in Malaysia. Children born with the defect often face multiple challenges, including difficulty feeding, frequent ear infections, hearing loss, and speech and language impediments. As they grow older, they may experience delayed tooth eruption, dental issues, and psychosocial challenges, such as low self-esteem due to facial differences.
With appropriate care, children born with cleft lip and palate can lead normal, healthy lives. Treatment typically involves a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals and spans several years. It includes surgical repair, often beginning in infancy, dental and orthodontic care, speech therapy, and psychological support. These are usually coordinated in cleft clinics where professionals from various disciplines work together to ensure the best outcomes.
As an example, the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya operates a dedicated multidisciplinary cleft lip and palate clinic that receives referrals from across the country. The clinic is conducted twice a month, on Fridays during the 1st and 3rd weeks. The specialist team comprises experts from various disciplines, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, paediatric dentistry, and orthodontics. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive timely, coordinated care, thereby optimising long-term outcomes in both function and aesthetics.
Of running and raising funds
More than just a fundraising event, CLAPRUN serves as a platform to raise awareness about cleft conditions and to build a sense of community. It highlights the importance of early treatment and the need for continuous support for affected families. Despite the high prevalence of cleft conditions, public awareness remains low, especially of the complex, long-term management required and the financial burden it places on families. CLAPRUN hopes to change that one step at a time.
This year marked the 9th edition of CLAPRUN, and it was the biggest yet. Over 600 participants gathered on Sunday morning, making it the most well-attended event since its inception. For the first time, CLAPRUN partnered with Media Prima Audio, including Hot FM and KOOL 101 FM. The flag-off was officiated by Shah Hayatuddin, Group Network Director of Media Prima Audio. Popular radio personalities such as KJ, AG, Fara Fauzana, Muaz, Fizi Ali, and Haiza joined the run, adding star power and energy to the event.
Participants had the option to run either a 5 km or 3 km route, both starting from the track inside UM Arena and finishing at the stadium entrance. As they crossed the finish line, they were greeted with a refreshing water spray courtesy of ‘’abang bomba’’, adding a fun and celebratory touch to the event. A variety of food trucks including crowd favourites like Milo, Coco Crunch, and other local vendors were on site to keep everyone energized and satisfied. A dedicated kids’ corner offered activities for the little ones, making the event enjoyable for the whole family. In addition to prizes awarded to the top five male and female runners, participants also stood a chance to win exciting lucky draw prizes, generously sponsored by various partners.
Cleft lip and palate may begin at birth, but the journey to healing takes a community. Whether you are a runner, a donor, or simply someone who cares, your support can make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families. Every contribution brings us one step closer to putting a smile on their faces.