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RM270k raised for palliative care
Published on: Monday, August 11, 2025
Published on: Mon, Aug 11, 2025
By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Dr Joachim, Dr Jaswant and Margaret (10th, 11th and 8th from left) with the generous sponsors. Kota Kinabalu: Kind-hearted souls showed their true hearts of gold by successfully raising RM270,000 during the Palliative Care Association Kota Kinabalu (PCAKK) charity concert dinner. Organising Chairperson Datuk Margaret Lim said the amount came from donations by the State Government, private companies, individuals, and proceeds from the charity dinner.
Advertisement 'I am deeply touched by the overwhelming support we have received. The generosity of sponsors, donors, and diners has made our palliative care mission sustainable,' she said. Since its formation in 1995, PCAKK has cared for over 5,200 patients, Lim added. The 26th PCAKK annual charity dinner and concert at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Friday drew 1,500 attendees, including Deputy Chief Ministers II and III, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, as well as Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew. The star of the show was Irish singer Rebecca O'Connor, an internationally acclaimed Tina Turner tribute artiste.
Advertisement She is the only artiste personally endorsed by Tina Turner, who once remarked: 'Rebecca is so good, it's scary.' The tribute show saw Rebecca ignite the stage with an electrifying performance backed by a live band and dancers. She belted out most of Tina's greatest hits, including the anthem Simply the Best, which got the audience on their feet dancing. 'I love it here in KK. And what an amazing charity to be here for. PCA is an amazing charity,' said Rebecca, who thanked everyone involved for bringing her to perform. 'To all you volunteers, you are incredible. What you do and what I saw yesterday (during a visit to the PCAKK Home) was absolutely mind-blowing. 'You're just so beautiful. What you have in your hands, giving to everybody else, is awesome. 'It was actually quite moving to see how happy the children were to be around you all yesterday. It was amazing, so fantastic. 'I want to say thank you to PCA tonight for making this charity event such a success. You guys are super…you're super the best,' said Rebecca. The concert also featured local talents-saxophonist Zara Flintoft, violinist The String Trio, and Rene Barrow. PCAKK President Dato' Dr Jaswant Singh said their mission is simple yet profound, to provide free, compassionate palliative care to individuals and families in and around Kota Kinabalu. 'For the past 25 years, we have walked beside patients in their final journeys, offering medical relief, emotional support, and human dignity in the comfort of their homes,' he said. 'Globally, over 56 million people need palliative care each year. In Malaysia, that number is around 150,000, yet less than 10 per cent receive it. 'The Lancet Commission estimated in 2014 that Malaysia had about 100,034 adults in need of palliative care, an increase of 40 per cent from 71,675 in 2004,' said Dr Jaswant. By 2030, he said, the need is projected to rise to about 240,000 cases, a 240 per cent increase from 2014, especially among those aged 80 years and above. 'Malaysia has 223,800 people yearly experiencing serious health-related suffering requiring palliative care. Pain affects 50 to 70 per cent of palliative patients, and non-cancer conditions account for nearly 60 per cent of palliative cases globally,' he said. 'And that's why PCAKK exists, to bring free home-based palliative care to those in and around Kota Kinabalu who would otherwise go without,' he added. PCAKK Patron Meng Tan paid tribute to the incredible volunteers of PCAKK, saying words could not fully express the depth of their gratitude. 'Your time, your energy, your unwavering commitment lie at the very core of this organisation. Your compassion has brought light into the lives of the most vulnerable at their most difficult moments. 'Without you, we would not have been able to touch so many lives,' she said. 'It is not just about easing pain. It is about dignity. It means treating people with kindness and respect, even when they are ill. 'That is why our organisation plays such a vital role in the community. But our ability to grow, to reach more families, and to continue providing compassionate care throughout Sabah depends on you,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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