KUCHING: Health awareness took centre stage as part of Earth Day initiatives at Boulevard Shopping Mall, here with a series of booths bringing essential healthcare services closer to the public.
The event, held from Saturday (April 18) until today (Apr 19), aimed to make health services more accessible and approachable in a public setting, allowing visitors the opportunity to engage with various professionals while highlighting the importance of early detection and continuous care.
Sarawak Tribune spoke to several exhibitors to better understand the services they provide and the role they play in promoting everyday wellbeing.
For Christ Dawn, 30, a counsellor at the Mental Health Association Sarawak (MHAS), they are raising public awareness about mental health while providing accessible counselling services.
“Many people are still unsure of how to contact or approach mental health organisations, including the procedures involved.
“So we help bridge that gap with events like this,” she said.
With affirmation decks displayed on the booth table, there is also a DASS test to assess depression, anxiety, and stress levels, helping visitors feel emotionally lighter while allowing counsellors to identify symptoms and their severity.
Christ also added that the association provides counselling sessions, with a registration fee of RM50, which includes six one-hour sessions that can be scheduled at the individual’s convenience.
“Sessions can be conducted online or in person at our office, but we prefer to hold them physically to better assess emotions and to avoid internet disruptions,” she said.
Christ also stressed that while support is provided, personal effort and willingness to improve play a crucial role in the recovery process.
The Best Hearing Aid Centre also took part. With guidance from Dania Fakhira Abdullah, 38, a hearing aid specialist, she shared the services available at their booth.
“We provide free hearing tests here by checking for issues such as dirt build-up, blockages, discharge, or sensitive skin in the ear.
“In cases where infection is detected, individuals are advised to visit nearby clinics or hospitals for proper treatment, as the centre does not provide medication,” she said.
She also added that the centre provides various types of hearing aids, starting from RM2,500 per unit, depending on the model and specifications.
Meanwhile, Wisconstella Marshalene, 20, from Wishesland also emphasised their service of providing physiotherapy treatments to communities who are physically impaired.
“We offer a form of treatment that focuses on strengthening the body through activities such as swimming and guided physical exercises for those with physical disabilities, paralysis, and limited mobility,” she said.
She added that gradual improvements have been seen through these activities, with some patients slowly regaining the ability to walk after consistent therapy.
Wisconstella also said that they have received donations from the public while also raising awareness about the association at the event.
“Some visitors came forward to register family members with paralysis after learning about the available services, while others contributed essential donations such as rice, milk, and diapers,” she added.
She also promoted the association’s upcoming food fair, scheduled for July 5 from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm at MBKS Community Hall, which aims to raise funds and further support the organisation’s efforts.
