PETALING JAYA, Oct 28 — The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) has raised a record RM2.55 million fund at its Sunway-MAF Red Ribbon Gala and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award 2022.

The amount is the highest amount ever raised in the 13-year history of the gala.

The high-society black-tie event that was held at Sunway Resort Hotel tonight was attended by over 200 guests including, royalties, corporate figures, notable personalities and celebrities.

Amongst the high-profile guests in attendance were the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim and MAF chairman Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman.

All proceeds from the gala will be channelled to support MAF’s programmes to provide access to treatment for low-income people living with HIV (PLHIV).

In delivering Sunway Group founder Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah's speech, Jeffrey Cheah Foundation board of trustee Tan Sri Razman M Hashim highlighted the issues of stigma and ostracism towards PLHIV.

"HIV/AIDS poses a threat to the lives of PLHIV, while the stigma and ostracism they face rob them of their dignity.

"This also extends towards discrimination in the workplace.”

Cheah also urged corporate and political leaders in Malaysia to consider putting into practice inclusive policies that do not discriminate against anyone on any basis, including their HIV status.

"If we are to build a more progressive, sustainable and inclusive Malaysia, we must all do everything we can to replace bigotry and hatred with compassion and care.

"It is essential that we help our fellow Malaysians who struggle to survive in a world of darkness and misery.”

Last year, Sunway Group began a long-term collaboration with MAF as the new official sustainability partner to join efforts in eradicating HIV/AIDS in Malaysia.

Cheah said Sunway’s support for MAF is based on the group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to try and leave no one behind.

"That is why most of our CSR projects focus on helping the marginalised and forgotten sectors of society.”

Thanks to the MAF-Sunway partnership, the tie-up has resulted in the establishment of the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan hallway home in Kuching and the Health Outreach Programme for Everyone in Sabah.

"This programme is making access to life-saving medication available to low-income patients living in rural areas.

"Teratak Kasih Tok Nan, on the other hand, started as a halfway home for rural HIV patients seeking treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital.

* Malay Mail is the official strategic media partner for the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala 2022 and Sunway-MAF Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award.