KUCHING: Sarawak is expanding its community-based HIV services to Miri and Bintulu to bring treatment and health support closer to people living with HIV, their families and vulnerable communities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak’s development agenda continued to place emphasis on improving the people’s quality of life, including ensuring more inclusive access to healthcare.
“As we continue to strengthen our economy and embrace innovation, we must also ensure that the progress we achieve is inclusive and that no one is left behind.
“Healthcare is a fundamental investment in our human capital, and initiatives such as ‘Teratak Kasih Tok Nan’ (TKTN) reflect our commitment to providing accessible, compassionate and people-centred healthcare services to every Sarawakian,” he said.
His remarks were reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), citing a recent statement issued by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF).
According to the statement, the expansion of TKTN is backed by RM2.25 million in funding from the Sarawak Government over three years, enabling more people to access quality HIV care closer to their respective communities.
TKTN provides comprehensive support, including temporary accommodation, counselling, treatment support, psychosocial services, welfare assistance, and community outreach.
The facility not only focuses on healthcare needs but also helps address social and economic challenges that may affect access to and continuity of treatment.
Abang Johari said strengthening partnerships and expanding community-based healthcare could help improve health outcomes while supporting Malaysia’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Meanwhile, MAF Borneo’s Patron, Datin Patinggi Jamilah Anu, said every individual deserved to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect regardless of their circumstances.
She said TKTN went beyond providing shelter by helping restore hope, reduce stigma, and give people living with HIV the confidence to move forward with their lives.
At the same time, the Sarawak Health Access Programme (SHAPE), implemented jointly with the Ministry of Health and the Sarawak Government since 2018, provides financial assistance to people living with HIV and patients with other chronic illnesses who need to travel long distances for treatment.
The approach is in line with Malaysia’s National Strategic Plan Ending AIDS 2030, which emphasises prevention, early diagnosis, continued treatment, psychosocial support, community participation, and efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination.
