KUCHING: The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Sarawak Branch has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people living with HIV through the continuation of its partnership with the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS).
MIS contributed RM300,000 in zakat funds to support aid programmes benefiting those living with HIV in Sarawak.
Honorary Secretary of the Malaysian AIDS Council and the MAF Dr Zaiton Yahaya praised the ongoing efforts of the MIS and local partners in uplifting the lives of those affected by HIV.
“We have always worked hand in hand for the betterment of our communities,” she said during the MAF Sarawak Aidilfitri open house and zakat donation handover at Teratak Kasih Tok Nan, here on Sunday (May 11).
Dr Zaiton emphasised the critical role of the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan transit home, which provides temporary shelter for patients without stable housing.
“It’s a symbol of empathy, of love, and of our shared responsibility to care for the vulnerable,” she added.
Dr. Zaiton also paid special tribute to the patron of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Sarawak and Sabah Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, describing her as pillar of strength in carrying forward the legacy of the late Pehin Seri Adenan Satem, fondly remembered as Tok Nan.
“Malaysian AIDS Foundation cannot stand strong and continue to function without the sincere support of Datuk Amar,” she said
Besides, she also thanked CSR general manager Bernad Paul, Internal Branding and Events, Group Brand Marketing & Communications, Sunway Group for their continuous donations under the Sarawak Health Access Programme (SHAPE) programme.
“Their contributions have helped many patients who cannot afford transportation to hospitals. We are truly grateful and hope the support will continue,” she said
As part of the event, 50 food baskets were handed out to low-income families around Kuching as a small but meaningful gesture to show that no one is forgotten.
The event also saw the symbolic handover of a RM300,000 zakat cheque from Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak, presented by its deputy general manager Bolhasan Iskandar Taibi to Jamilah.
The RM300,000 zakat contribution is set to fund antiretroviral (ARV) medication under the MAF medical assistance scheme.
The fund will ease the treatment burden for 20 asnaf recipients in Sarawak.
Not only that, a part of the contribution will also go towards the Sarawak Health Access Programme (SHAPE) which is also run by MAF Sarawak.
This initiative provides transportation subsidies to nearly 30 beneficiaries, where it enables them to attend follow up treatments at government hospitals and clinics.
Also present were Dr Fazidah Yuswan, Head of HIV, STI and Hepatitis C Sector, Ministry of Health and Dr. Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh, who is deputy president of the Malaysian AIDS Council.
