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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak govt contributes RM2.25 mln to expand HIV support services
(from left) Dr Raja Iskandar, Dr Ismuni, Abdul Karim, Jamilah and Jasmin pose for a group photo with the mock cheques for RM2.25 million and RM200,000 contributed by the Sarawak government during the event in Kuching. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu KUCHING (July 20): The Sarawak government has contributed RM2.25 million to support the staffing, operations and expansion of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan (TKTN), a community-based HIV support centre, over the next three years. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the centre is set to expand to Miri and Bintulu, extending its HIV support network. 'We take the issue of HIV and AIDS seriously. The increasing number of new cases is a concern we monitor closely. There is no room for complacency,' he said in his speech at the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Kuching Gala 2025 at a hotel here last night. His speech was delivered by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The state government also contributed a further RM200,000 during the gala, bringing the total funds raised at the event to RM3.5 million. This amount includes donations from various corporate donors to support the sustainability and expansion of the TKTN safehouse and outreach model. Abang Johari further reaffirmed the state's support for high-impact initiatives, such as the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP), a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and its partners. 'By reaching out to key populations with tailored care and outreach, the programme reflects the realities of our state — where geography, diversity, and vulnerability require localised and responsive solutions,' he added. He commended MAF Sarawak for its collaborative approach with the government and private sector partners, including Sunway Group and Yayasan Petronas, in expanding DHSKP services. Abang Johari also highlighted youth as a key focus in the state's HIV response, stressing the need to equip them with knowledge, tools, and safe spaces to make informed decisions, particularly in reducing the risk of sexual transmission and safeguarding their wellbeing. He went on to call for greater collective responsibility in addressing the stigma surrounding HIV. 'For many, it is not the virus itself, but the isolation, shame, and discrimination that cause the deepest pain. This is a burden no one should bear — and it is one we all have a duty to lift,' he said. Abang Johari expressed appreciation to MAF Borneo patron Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Puan Sri Jamilah Anu for continuing the legacy of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (affectionately known as Tok Nan), who helped to establish the first TKTN facility here nine years ago. Among present were Ministry of Health deputy-director general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari, MAF trustee Assoc Prof Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa as well as MAF and Malaysian AIDS Council executive director Jasmin Jalil. Abang Johari HIV support centre lead Teratak Kasih Tok Nan
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
MAF Borneo to open two new Teratak Kasih Tok Nan Centres in Sarawak, Sabah for HIV patients
Jamilah receives the zakat contribution from Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak Distribution Division Head Mohd Shukri (fourth right) during the MAF Borneo Branch Aidilfitri Open House and Zakat Cheque Presentation Ceremony at TKTN, Jalan Crookshank today. Also seen are Dr Ruziana (second right), MAF Honorary Secretary Dr Zaiton Yahaya (third right) and others. KUCHING (May 11): The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Borneo Branch is planning to establish two additional Teratak Kasih Tok Nan (TKTN) centres in Sarawak and Sabah this year to further extend aid and support to communities in need, particularly individuals living with HIV and AIDS. Its patron, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, said the new centres are part of ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access and community assistance in both states. 'As the patron of MAF Borneo Branch for Sarawak and Sabah, we intend to establish one more TKTN in Bintulu and another in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 'God willing, we aim to implement both within this year or at the latest by next year, but the establishment of the TKTN in Bintulu is almost certain to be carried out this year,' she told reporters after officiating the MAF Borneo Branch Aidilfitri Open House and Zakat Cheque Presentation Ceremony at TKTN, Jalan Crookshank here today. According to Jamilah, they will work with various parties including government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities to realise this effort. 'We will strive to raise the necessary funds to ensure the successful establishment of these centres,' she said. Meanwhile, Jamilah also expressed her appreciation to the Sarawak government for its strong support for MAF and TKTN over the years, including the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) through the Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS), which has continuously contributed to their cause. 'Last year, MIS through TBS contributed RM200,000, and this year it has increased to RM300,000. Alhamdulillah, this contribution has greatly helped many in our community, especially Muslims, in supporting their treatment and recovery,' she said. According to Jamilah, the contribution not only motivates patients but also helps reduce the stigma often associated with them. 'We do not want them to continue being marginalised or burdened by stigma. At the very least, with support like this, they have a chance to recover and return to living a normal life,' she said. In this regard, she urged more parties to come forward to help, not just financially, but also by providing moral and social support. 'We hope more people will come together to contribute to the welfare of the community, especially HIV and AIDS patients who deserve a chance to rebuild their lives,' she said. Meanwhile, TKTN Chairperson Dr Ruziana Miss said the centre was established as a tribute to the late former Sarawak Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, and has been operational since 2016 before being officially launched in 2017. 'The role of TKTN has now expanded. In addition to providing temporary accommodation, it also offers travel subsidies through the Sarawak Health Access Programme. 'This subsidy is crucial because there is no other specific assistance of this kind from other parties. Many patients cannot afford travel expenses for regular treatments, especially those newly diagnosed and are no longer working,' she explained. Earlier, MAF Sarawak Branch received a zakat contribution totaling RM300,000 from the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS), specifically to support aid programs for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Sarawak. More than 200 guests including PLHIV, community activists, healthcare workers, and strategic partners from across Sarawak and Sabah attended the MAF Borneo Branch's Aidilfitri Open House today. healthcare HIV/AIDS Malaysian AIDS Foundation Teratak Kasih Tok Nan
