MAF Borneo to open two new Teratak Kasih Tok Nan Centres in Sarawak, Sabah for HIV patients
KUCHING (May 11): The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Borneo Branch is planning to establish two additional Teratak Kasih Tok Nan (TKTN) centres in Sarawak and Sabah this year to further extend aid and support to communities in need, particularly individuals living with HIV and AIDS.
Its patron, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, said the new centres are part of ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access and community assistance in both states.
'As the patron of MAF Borneo Branch for Sarawak and Sabah, we intend to establish one more TKTN in Bintulu and another in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
'God willing, we aim to implement both within this year or at the latest by next year, but the establishment of the TKTN in Bintulu is almost certain to be carried out this year,' she told reporters after officiating the MAF Borneo Branch Aidilfitri Open House and Zakat Cheque Presentation Ceremony at TKTN, Jalan Crookshank here today.
According to Jamilah, they will work with various parties including government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities to realise this effort.
'We will strive to raise the necessary funds to ensure the successful establishment of these centres,' she said.
Meanwhile, Jamilah also expressed her appreciation to the Sarawak government for its strong support for MAF and TKTN over the years, including the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) through the Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS), which has continuously contributed to their cause.
'Last year, MIS through TBS contributed RM200,000, and this year it has increased to RM300,000. Alhamdulillah, this contribution has greatly helped many in our community, especially Muslims, in supporting their treatment and recovery,' she said.
According to Jamilah, the contribution not only motivates patients but also helps reduce the stigma often associated with them.
'We do not want them to continue being marginalised or burdened by stigma. At the very least, with support like this, they have a chance to recover and return to living a normal life,' she said.
In this regard, she urged more parties to come forward to help, not just financially, but also by providing moral and social support.
'We hope more people will come together to contribute to the welfare of the community, especially HIV and AIDS patients who deserve a chance to rebuild their lives,' she said.
Meanwhile, TKTN Chairperson Dr Ruziana Miss said the centre was established as a tribute to the late former Sarawak Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, and has been operational since 2016 before being officially launched in 2017.
'The role of TKTN has now expanded. In addition to providing temporary accommodation, it also offers travel subsidies through the Sarawak Health Access Programme.
'This subsidy is crucial because there is no other specific assistance of this kind from other parties. Many patients cannot afford travel expenses for regular treatments, especially those newly diagnosed and are no longer working,' she explained.
Earlier, MAF Sarawak Branch received a zakat contribution totaling RM300,000 from the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS), specifically to support aid programs for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Sarawak.
More than 200 guests including PLHIV, community activists, healthcare workers, and strategic partners from across Sarawak and Sabah attended the MAF Borneo Branch's Aidilfitri Open House today. healthcare HIV/AIDS Malaysian AIDS Foundation Teratak Kasih Tok Nan
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