21-07-2025
IJN honours life-saving donors, celebrates Tun Mahathir's 100th birthday
Special recognition was given to the Health Ministry for its consistent support through UTKKKM, a partnership that continues to be critical in providing equitable access to treatment for underprivileged patients.
KUALA LUMPUR - Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) paid tribute to the generous individuals and organisations who have played a vital role in saving lives by supporting treatment for underprivileged heart patients on Sunday.
The appreciation ceremony also marked a significant moment in IJN's history as it celebrated the 100th birthday of its founding visionary, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the 99th birthday of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
Held at a hotel here, the NGO Appreciation Hi-Tea brought together representatives from 21 non-governmental organisations and key corporate donors whose continuous support has helped hundreds of patients receive critical cardiac care.
Their contributions, through the IJN Foundation and direct partnerships, have made a tangible impact on the lives of many families. Among the organisations recognised were Lembaga Zakat Selangor, One Hope Charity & Welfare, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, Yayasan Tenaga Nasional, Maybank Foundation, KitaFund, Sinar Harian, Star Foundation, NSTP and others from various states and sectors.
In 2024 alone, over RM49.9 million was raised through collaborative efforts involving the Government of Malaysia via Unit Taksiran Khas Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (UTKKKM), the IJN Foundation and 17 NGOs.
These funds directly benefited 2,517 patients. As of mid-2025, a further RM20.7 million has already been channelled to support ongoing treatment for those in need.
Special recognition was given to the Health Ministry for its consistent support through UTKKKM, a partnership that continues to be critical in providing equitable access to treatment for underprivileged patients.
IJN Group Chief Executive Officer Professor Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said his team were proud to work with partners who made healing possible, not just through medical expertise, but through generosity and care.
'In 2024, the IJN Foundation funded 938 patients, amounting to RM8.4 million, covering a wide range of cardiac procedures, including congenital heart defect surgeries in children, valve replacements in elderly patients, and urgent interventional procedures in high-risk cases.
'This would not have been possible without the many generous souls who contribute year after year to the Foundation's cause. Your donations, no matter the amount, translate directly into lives saved and families kept whole,' he said in his speech.
Among the organisations recognised were Lembaga Zakat Selangor, One Hope Charity & Welfare, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, Yayasan Tenaga Nasional, Maybank Foundation, KitaFund, Sinar Harian, Star Foundation, NSTP and others from various states and sectors.
Dr Ezani highlighted that the very foundation of IJN was built on Tun Dr Mahathir's vision for a cardiac centre that offers both world-class expertise and equal access to care for all Malaysians. The appreciation ceremony also marked a significant moment in IJN's history as it celebrated the 100th birthday of its founding visionary, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the 99th birthday of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
'It was Tun who saw the need for a national heart institute that would provide not just world-class care, but equitable access.
'An institution where the most advanced medical procedures are available, not just to the wealthy, but to all Malaysians. And today, as we see patients from every corner of the country, from every walk of life, walk through our doors and walk out healthier, we are reminded that this dream has become a living, breathing reality,' he added.
