SIBU: Access to basic healthcare and community support in remote areas received a boost when University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and MediCom joined forces recently to bring a four-day charity and health mission to Long Busang, Belaga.
According to a statement from UTS on Wednesday (Sept. 23), the mission brought together 88 volunteers, medical practitioners and representatives from Urusetia Saudara Kita (USK), UTS and various supporting organisations to provide healthcare services, health education, educational activities and charitable assistance to the rural community.
The mission was officially flagged off by UTS’ Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ir Ts Dr Mohd Shahril Osman. and MediCom’s Secretary-General, Abdul Razak Mohamed, at UTS campus.
UTS deployed eight staff members to support the mission, including assisting with the convoy and coordinating activities throughout the programme.
The initiative was led by MediCom and supported by several organisations, including Castrol Malaysia, Muslim Care Malaysia Society, and KSPro.
Castrol Malaysia’s representatives, Grace Padan and Jasmine Padan, were also present at the flag-off ceremony and joined the mission as a show of support for the community initiative.
At Long Busang, medical practitioners conducted health-related activities and talks covering healthy lifestyles, disease prevention and the importance of maintaining good health.
The mission also included the distribution of donated items to villagers, providing assistance to families while strengthening interaction between volunteers and the local community.
Children in Long Busang also benefited from educational activities organised as part of the programme, giving the younger generation an opportunity to participate in learning and community-based activities.
Beyond the immediate services provided, the mission highlighted the importance of bringing healthcare awareness and community assistance directly to rural and remote settlements, where access to services can be more challenging.
The participation of UTS staff alongside medical professionals, volunteers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private-sector sponsors also reflected the potential of cross-sector collaboration in addressing community needs.
“For UTS, the initiative formed part of its broader commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, extending its contribution beyond academic activities and the university campus.
“The mission also demonstrated how partnerships involving universities, NGOs, healthcare practitioners and corporate sponsors can create opportunities to reach communities in need while fostering a stronger spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility.
“Through the Long Busang initiative, the participating organisations not only delivered practical assistance but also strengthened ties with a rural community and reinforced the importance of ensuring that community welfare remains part of the wider development agenda,” the statement added.
