KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 23): Low cost carrier AirAsia Bhd continued its long-term initiative to create cancer awareness and raise funds for underprivileged patients through the #AirAsiaMAKNA campaign, with the sale of the limited edition AirAsia pilot and cabin crew designed t-shirt collection.

Coined '#AirAsiaMAKNA: Rebel with a cause', this year's campaign concept aims to celebrate the strength and courage of inspiring cancer fighters, according to a statement by AirAsia today.

As part of the campaign initiatives, AirAsia is once again selling its exclusive pilot and cabin crew t-shirt collection available for both adults and children for RM30 each, and the proceeds will be directed to the airline’s long-term beneficiary, MAKNA (National Cancer Council of Malaysia), AirAsia said.

“Cancer affects everyone, directly or indirectly, be it a parent, sibling, colleague or friend. AirAsia is proud to continue to work with MAKNA to raise funds and accelerate the pace of cancer awareness,” said AirAsia chief executive officer (CEO) Aireen Omar.

“#AirAsiaMAKNA is a testament to our shared mission of fighting cancer and this partnership underscores AirAsia’s long term commitment to support an organisation that helps underprivileged cancer patients and conducts lifesaving research,” Aireen added.

“For the past two years, we have raised close to RM700,000 for MAKNA. We are excited to bring back the well-received t-shirts, which are available for kids and adults. This time around, we are also happy to collaborate with Malaysia’s leading online shopping platform, FashionValet, in making the sales available online,” she added.

“The statistics of global cancer deaths are worrying, but what is even more alarming is that one out of four Malaysians has a lifetime risk of developing cancer. It takes physical and emotional strength, alongside financial means, to access the treatments needed when fighting cancer,” said MAKNA General Manager Farahida Mohd Farid.

“Hence, we are honoured to have the constant support from AirAsia in our mission against cancer with the campaign. This initiative is beyond just raising funds; more importantly, it is about creating cancer awareness,” Farahida added.

At 11.43am, shares of AirAsia were unchanged at RM3.18, with a market capitalisation of RM10.63 billion.