RM2.25 mln allocation to expand HIV services to Miri, Bintulu
by Samuel Aubrey · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Aug 28): The Sarawak government is allocating RM2.25 million over three years to expand community-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services to Miri and Bintulu, according to the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Sarawak.
MAF Sarawak in a statement said the allocation would support the expansion of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan, bringing medical treatment, temporary accommodation and psychosocial support closer to people living with HIV, their families and vulnerable communities beyond Kuching.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative aligned with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises inclusive development and improving the quality of life of Sarawakians.
“While we continue to strengthen our economy and embrace innovation, we must also ensure that progress is inclusive and no one is left behind,” he said.
He said healthcare was a fundamental investment in human capital, adding that initiatives such as Teratak Kasih Tok Nan demonstrated the Sarawak government’s commitment to accessible, compassionate and people-centred healthcare.
Abang Johari said expanding community-based healthcare would strengthen health outcomes while supporting Malaysia’s goal of ending acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) as a public health threat by 2030.
First established in Kuching as a halfway home and support centre, Teratak Kasih Tok Nan provides temporary shelter, counselling, treatment monitoring, welfare support and community outreach.
MAF Borneo patron Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, who has spearheaded the initiative’s expansion, said the centre played an important role in reducing stigma and providing compassionate care.
“Every person deserves dignity, compassion and respect, regardless of circumstance.
“Teratak Kasih Tok Nan was established not only to provide care, but also to restore hope, reduce stigma and remind people living with HIV that they are not alone,” she said.
The expansion complements the Sarawak Health Access Programme (SHAPE), launched in 2018 in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia to provide travel subsidies for low-income patients requiring specialised chronic disease treatment at distant urban hospitals.
The initiative involves a multi-sector partnership between the Sarawak government, Ministry of Health Malaysia, MAF, Sunway Group and Yayasan Petronas.