Latest news with #Hiang
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Community spirit shines on
TEMERLOH: Realising the hardship faced by children from poor families and residents of elderly care homes, two NGOs here have continued to assist them in cash and kind, while another company is working to raise awareness on infectious diseases affecting society. The Temerloh Rotary Club has contributed in various ways over the years, including organising fundraising campaigns and charity sales for the benefit of the needy and less fortunate. Club vice-president Datuk Hiang A Li said many community-related programmes were still being carried out for the betterment of society. 'Despite the trying times and sluggish economy, we have no intention to slow down. 'We hope to be able to maintain our initiatives with the generous support of the public and private sector,' he said, noting a drop in sponsorships and contributions from regular donors. Earlier this year, the club held its annual Back to School programme, during which uniforms, socks and schoolbags were donated to poor families, especially Orang Asli pupils. 'We also organise blood donation drives to help replenish the government's blood bank. 'Orang Asli residents in remote areas also benefit from our clean piped water project supported by our affiliates and private companies,' he said. Hiang also said these projects could help transform, uplift and improve the quality of life for villagers. During major floods several years ago, affected villagers in Temerloh and Mentakab received assistance such as new furniture and electrical appliances to ease their burden. 'We have been actively assisting people for over four decades. Despite facing difficulties, our members will continue to provide humanitarian services, strengthen goodwill and harmony among the people,' he added. Driven to help: Hiang (left) and Chew (centre) are dedicated to supporting those in need through their NGOs, while Lam's company advocates for youth awareness in sex education. Temerloh Dancing Association president Datuk Seiko Chew Kim Pong said besides promoting dancing and singing as pastimes, they also organise community-related activities regularly. 'For example, we will visit old folks and children's homes, sing and perform dances to cheer them up. Very often, these residents are feeling lonely, need some company and a listening ear. 'Allowing them to share their thoughts and assuring them that they are not forgotten is one way to keep them happy,' he said, adding that respect and care for the elderly should be instilled among the young. Chew said members also organise small-scale fundraising, such as selling handmade souvenirs and baking cakes to raise money for welfare programmes. He said besides festive seasons, on some weekends, they would cook simple meals to share with the residents and help clean the premises. Separately, Care Latex founder Bonn Lam Chee Fong said the company is actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly in public health. 'Our campaigns often focus on HIV prevention, especially among youth, and promoting safe sex education, including to vulnerable groups like refugees. 'We also partnered with organisations such as the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and engaged in various community-based programmes to raise awareness on proper family planning as well as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases,' he said. Lam cited a recent collaboration with the Pahang Health Department to support the government in meeting the target under the National Strategic Plan for Ending AIDS 2016-2030, targeting zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. Data shared by the MAC revealed a worrying trend – 44% of those infected with HIV in the country are youths aged between 20 and 29, and most new infections involve school leavers and students from institutions of higher learning. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni had revealed that 222 cases of university students infected with HIV were reported last year. Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Charity dinner to raise funds for dialysis centre in Mentakab on Nov 1
(From sixth left) Chua, PBA president Choo Sui Len and Hiang with PBA management team and Mentakab haemodialysis centre staff. THE Pahang Buddhist Association (PBA) haemodialysis centre in Mentakab is organising a charity dinner to raise funds in view of increasing operating costs. Event organising chairman Datuk Hiang A Li said the centre's average monthly expenses amounted to some RM100,000. 'Many patients could not afford to pay the full fees and due to this and other operational costs, the centre exceeded its budget by over RM360,000 last year. 'To continue running the centre and provide quality renal treatment, we have decided to host a fundraising dinner,' he said when announcing the details of the programme to kickstart the donation drive. The dinner will be held on Nov 1 at SMJK Hwa Lian school hall in Mentakab. Hiang, who is also the school's board of governors chairman, said private haemodialysis centres charge between RM280 and M300 per session. He said patients in PBA Mentakab centre paid between RM20 and RM100, depending on their family income and affordability. 'Through the charity dinner, we hope to raise about RM3mil for the funds to last for the next five years. 'We urge the public to support us so that we can continue to give quality treatment to all needy patients,' he said, adding that all donations would be exempt from tax. Separately, PBA deputy president Datuk Franky Chua Goon Eng said the Kuantan haemodialysis centre was set up in 1996 to assist renal patients from all races. He said over the years, some 300 patients, especially those who could not afford to pay the full fees, benefitted from the initiative. 'In 2018, we opened our second centre to assist those residing in Temerloh and Mentakab. To date, we have 10 dialysis machines there, treating 26 patients. 'Our main aim is to help less fortunate patients, urgent cases and not for profit,' he said. Chua also said every year, the number of patients was increasing with some getting younger. He added that both centres also offered haemodiafiltration (HDF) treatment, the highest standard of dialysis. 'These HDF machines can significantly reduce complications post-dialysis, aligning with the centre's goal of helping patients resume their daily lives. 'So far, we have eight HDF machines,' said Chua, who also urged the people to go for regular check-ups and adopt a healthy lifestyle. For more information, call 019-989 6268, 012-983 9526 or WhatsApp 012-583 9644.
