In conjunction with World Prematurity Day, the Sultan Yussuf Roundabout fountain and Ipoh Town Hall were lit in purple from 8pm to 12am yesterday (November 17).
According to the mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, the lighting occasion was jointly organised by Ipoh City Council (MBI) and Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) Ipoh.
“The purple lighting is a sign of support and concern from both the council and HRPB towards families with children born prematurely,” he explained in a media statement released via WhatsApp.
Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, refers to babies born three weeks earlier than their expected due date, or babies born at 37 weeks old, as opposed to the usual 40 weeks.
Prematurely-born babies face much higher risks of getting health issues like cerebral palsy (permanent movement disorder), developmental disability, hearing and eyesight problems.
“Previously, such an occasion was done by the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Empire State Building in New York, USA,” Rumaizi added.
Chris Teh
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