KUCHING: The donation of a “Van Penyayang” to the Kuching Life Care Society (KLCS) will strengthen transportation services for patients requiring palliative and hospice care while improving access to medical treatment for vulnerable communities.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said transportation remains one of the greatest challenges, particularly for patients from rural areas and low-income families who require regular hospital visits or home-based palliative care.
“Transportation is always important. Whether it is bringing patients from their homes or villages to the hospital, or helping families transport the deceased back to their hometowns, these are services that many people urgently need,” she said after witnessing the handover ceremony of the Van Penyayang donated to KLCS on Sunday (Jul 5).
Fatimah said the newly donated vehicle reflects the confidence that the public has in KLCS and its long-standing commitment to serving the community.
“When a non-governmental organisation (NGO) earns the trust and confidence of the public, it becomes much easier for people to come forward and contribute, whether through a vehicle, equipment or other forms of assistance.
“They give because they believe the organisation is sincerely serving the community,” she said.
She commended donor Chan Mang Tiam of Mukah for his generosity in donating the vehicle after recognising the important role played by KLCS in providing compassionate care to patients and their families.
“We are fortunate in Sarawak to have dedicated NGOs providing welfare services, and at the same time, kind-hearted individuals who are willing and able to support these organisations.
“This spirit of giving is something we should truly appreciate,” she added.
The Van Penyayang is KLCS’s 10th service vehicle, bringing its fleet to eight ambulances, one welfare van and another vehicle for persons with disabilities, which is expected to arrive soon.
KLCS currently operates a hospice and palliative care centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
The facility has a capacity of 58 beds, of which 35 have been allocated for government patients, with 16 currently occupied.
Apart from hospice and palliative care services, the society also provides ambulance transportation, medical equipment loans and hospital support services for patients requiring long-term care.
The Van Penyayang, donated by Chan, is expected to improve transportation for patients requiring medical treatment and home-based palliative care, particularly those facing mobility and transportation challenges.
Fatimah said the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between the government, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists can complement public healthcare services.
“This is a good example of how government, NGOs and the community can work together. Through such partnerships, we can ensure more people receive timely, compassionate and dignified care when they need it most,” she said.
