MIRI, October 14, 2024 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), in a significant step towards advancing healthcare services in Sarawak’s remote areas, recently equipped Klinik Kesihatan Taman Negara Mulu with RM120,000 worth of critical medical and non-medical equipment.
This initiative bolsters critical healthcare provisions, such as maternal and child health, emergency care, and general patient management. The clinic received a portable ultrasound machine, an infusion pump, a jaundice metre, as well as a generator set and fire extinguishers to strengthen its capacity to provide effective healthcare services to over 1,000 residents of the three surrounding villages.
The handover ceremony was officiated by YB Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring). Also present were Dr Raviwharmman Packierisamy, Miri Divisional Health Officer; Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin, YSD CEO; and Tuan Noor Haizal Noordin, SD Guthrie Berhad RCEO Sarawak Region.
“We are thankful for the support provided by YSD and SD Guthrie to the people of Mulu with the ultrasound machine. I am thrilled that today we witness even more contributions, including a generator that will ensure a continuous power supply to the clinic. This has been made possible through collaboration with the Miri Division Health Office and will greatly benefit the Mulu community"
"YSD and SD Guthrie Berhad have long contributed to Sarawak, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and more. Their commitment to making a difference is evident in every initiative they undertake - this is the hallmark of a responsible company that considers the needs of the local population in its efforts to assist", he added.
Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin detailed the impacts of the YSD Sinar Harapan programme, stating “Since its inception in 2014, this programme has touched the lives of over 400,000 individuals across Malaysia. Today’s contribution continues our commitment to improving the quality of life of the needy in Sarawak, especially for those in surrounding villages who are reliant on Klinik Kesihatan Taman Negara Mulu.”
In 2023, YSD, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, launched Teratak Kasih Tok Nan Miri as a one-stop centre for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. YSD also funds antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS patients at Hospital Umum Sarawak, while partnering with Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) for the Patient Navigation Programme to aid B40 breast cancer patients through the Pink Ribbon Centre at the hospital. CRMY is also supported by the Foundation to extend its cancer care to include early detection of oral cancer in rural areas of Sarawak through CRMY’S Mobile Mouth Screening Anywhere (MeMoSA) application, involving local community volunteers.
Through YSD’s partnership with the Rotary Club of Kuching Central, SD Guthrie and Sime Darby Industrial, essential school supplies were provided to 3,800 primary school students in Sarawak since 2014, as part of its broader effort to improve access to quality education for children across Malaysia.
In biodiversity conservation, YSD works with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation to protect the Sarawak Red Langur, a critically endangered species found only in Maludam National Park. Alongside SD Guthrie, YSD is regreening an area adjacent to Bukit Tiban Forest Reserve with 60,000 trees through the SD Guthrie-YSD Plant-A-Tree programme to create wildlife corridors and preserve endangered species like the hornbills, enhancing biodiversity across the region.
YSD remains committed to supporting and expanding its initiatives across Malaysia to ensure equitable access while supporting national policies aimed at improving the quality of life for all Malaysians.
