KUCHING: Sarawak’s commitment to improving HIV care has received a major boost, with RM3.5 million raised to support the expansion of the ‘Teratak Kasih Tok Nan’ (TKTN) programme across the state.
The total includes a RM2.25 million allocation from the Sarawak Government, which will go towards staffing and operational costs of the TKTN initiative over the next three years, while the remaining RM1.25 million was raised through donations from corporate bodies.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who announced the allocation, said the funds will go directly towards sustaining and expanding the TKTN safehouse and outreach model.
“I am also heartened to learn that the centre is poised for expansion, from Kuching to Miri, and soon, to Bintulu, ensuring that more lives across Sarawak will be touched by its care and compassion.
“This is especially important given Sarawak’s unique geography and the logistical challenges it poses for healthcare delivery and due to that we must continue strengthening infrastructure and outreach while embracing innovation to reach our most remote and underserved communities.
“That is why community-based initiatives like ‘Teratak Kasih Tok Nan’ are so vital as they show us that care is not just about medicine; it’s about humanity, acceptance, and trust,” he said.
He said this in his text speech read by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when officiating at the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Kuching Gala 2025 held at a hotel here on Saturday night.
At the event, Abdul Karim presented the RM2.25 million cheque to MAF Borneo patron, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu.
Earlier, Trustee of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa, expressed deep appreciation to donors, including Yayasan TM, PETRONAS LNG, Pekat Group, Affin Bank, Bintulu Port, TAS Offshore, Berjaya Corporation, Timberland Medical Centre, Ibraco Bhd, and others whose support made the evening’s fundraising success possible.
The gala also honoured key partners such as Sunway Group, Yayasan PETRONAS, and Yayasan Sime Darby for their crucial role in supporting HIV-related initiatives in Sarawak.
