BIG CARiNG Group, Malaysia’s largest pharmacy chain, has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja (RCKL DiRaja) and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to roll out Project Blue Dot, a nationwide initiative aimed at increasing access to prostate cancer screening and early detection, particularly among B40 and high-risk groups.
The MOU was signed by BIG CARiNG Group Chief Operating Officer Chong Yeow Siang, RCKL DiRaja President Dato’ Dr Prakash Rao, and NCSM President Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram.
As its first major milestone, Project Blue Dot will sponsor 3,000 free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings for Malaysian men aged 45 and above. Screenings will be conducted at selected BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy outlets across the Klang Valley from 15 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.
RCKL DiRaja will subsidise PSA tests and coordinate follow-up support, while NCSM will act as the clinical lead, providing medical personnel, screening protocols and laboratory analysis. BIG CARiNG will amplify outreach by offering convenient pharmacy-based screening locations.
Despite being the third most common cancer among Malaysian men, over 60% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at late stages, when treatment options are limited. Cultural stigma and misconceptions also continue to deter men from early checks.
“Many men still feel uncomfortable discussing prostate health. Getting screened is not a sign of weakness — it’s an act of strength,” said Dato’ Dr Prakash, adding that the project aims to normalise conversations about men’s health.
NCSM President Dato’ Dr Saunthari emphasised that prostate cancer often progresses silently. “A simple PSA test is quick, painless and can mean the difference between early, treatable disease and a life-threatening condition,” she said.
Dr Malwinder Singh Sandhu, Clinical Oncologist and Project Lead, said Project Blue Dot ensures no man with elevated PSA results is left without care. Through partnerships with Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Prince Court Medical Centre, men who require further investigation will receive free urologist consultations and subsidised diagnostics such as biopsies and PET PSMA scans.
Up to 20 B40 patients will also receive full financial assistance for diagnostic and treatment services, including advanced radiotherapy using SBRT. The programme will run until June 2026.
Beyond screenings, the initiative aims to reach two million Malaysian men with awareness messages and build a national “Prostate Warriors” support community offering emotional and treatment assistance. The campaign will begin in the Klang Valley before expanding nationwide.
BIG CARiNG COO Chong Yeow Siang said pharmacies are often the first point of contact when Malaysians feel unwell. “Early detection must be accessible and convenient. By hosting screenings in our pharmacies, we hope to reduce the anxiety and stigma that stop men from seeking help,” he said.
At the launch, a panel titled “The Turning 40s Wake-Up Call: Starting Conversations About Prostate Health Early” brought together representatives from RCKL DiRaja, NCSM, BIG CARiNG and clinical experts. The discussion highlighted that prostate cancer risks begin earlier than commonly believed, and that symptoms often appear only at later stages — underscoring the importance of proactive screening.
Screening Details
Dates: 15 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Locations: Selected BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy outlets, Klang Valley
Eligibility: Men aged 45+, especially B40 groups and those with family history
