JITRA: Lee You Jin, 4, was cheerful as he took part in a mass circumcision organised by Kawasan Rukun Tetangga Taman Mahsuri here on Saturday.
Clad in a t-shirt and kain pelikat, he was seen grinning with a lollipop in his mouth as he was pushed out in a wheelchair from a doctor's room at Dewan Mahsuri here following his procedure.
His two elder brothers, Lee You Quan, 7, and Lee Ming Xuan, 10, went under the knife soon after, before joining their younger brother at a designated area where free mattresses and pillows allowed all 60 participants to feel comfortable.
Ming Xuan said it hurt a little when the doctor circumcised him, but he did not cry.
He said he could not wait to be up and about again so that he can get back to his favourite activities during the school holidays, such as swimming.
The trio's father, Lee Kaw Seng, 40, said that his decision to sign up his sons for the ceremony was based on health considerations.
"There are so many diseases nowadays and I fear for my sons' health.
"I learned about the benefits of circumcision and how it can reduce the risk of certain types of diseases, hence I asked them if they would like to take part in the mass ceremony.
"Surprisingly, they were thrilled by the idea – even after I explained the procedure to them and that they might feel pain or discomfort," he said when met here.
The boys' grandmother, Bok Yat Choo, 59, said she was informed of the ceremony just a few days prior by one of the KRT committee members, Ong Hooi Keng.
Upon learning about her grandsons’ upcoming procedure, she immediately read up on dos and dont's as regards post-circumcision convalescence, and stocked up on food that could help accelerate the healing process.
"This is the first time someone in our family has undergone the procedure. It is not a common practice in our community.
"Some might understand the benefit and need of circumcision, while some might not.
"As for us, we made the decision after viewing the matter from all aspects, especially from the health perspective," Yat Choo said.
According to KRT Taman Mahsuri chairman Ahmad Shaker Ahmad, 56, the programme saw the participation of 60 residents in the area, aged between 4 and 11.
He said that the RM30 fee paid by each participant covers the procedure conducted by a doctor and four medical assistants from the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, medicines, a free mattress, a pillow and a kain pelikat.
"Most of the cost for the ceremony, including gifts and a parade involving 12 four wheel drive vehicles from the Kubang Pasu Jerlun Support Club, were sponsored by the KRT," he added.