KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) will be hosting its fundraising gala in Miri, Sarawak in August to support its initiatives for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

The gala will be jointly hosted by MAF and Interhill Group at its Pullman Miri Waterfront on August 6.

The foundation has had a significant presence in Sarawak since 2017 through two flagship programmes based in Kuching.

The Teratak Kasih Tok Nan — a one-stop support centre for PLHIV — was established through the support of MAF patron in Sarawak, Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu.

The centre now supports close to 2,000 clients annually.

Additionally, MAF also initiated the Sarawak Health Access Programme (known as Shape) to provide hospital travel subsidies for HIV and chronic disease patients from the B40 background.

"I take pride in our accomplishments over the past six years in Kuching,” said Amar.

"However, it is now time for us to extend our efforts to Miri and prioritise the well-being of the HIV community in that area.”

Amar said as a compassionate society, it is crucial to provide assistance to every citizen, irrespective of their health status.

"Unfortunately, the B40 community is disproportionately affected by HIV, resulting in economic hardships and enduring stigma and discrimination.

"I appeal to generous donors in Sarawak and beyond to demonstrate their compassion and support our vital humanitarian mission in Miri.”

Sharing similar sentiments, MAF chairman Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said expanding HIV services and programs to remote areas, particularly in Sarawak where HIV services are not as well-established as those in Peninsular Malaysia, is essential for creating opportunities to maintain the continuum of HIV care, from diagnosis to viral suppression.

"With relatively low caseloads, there is a real possibility of eradicating AIDS from Sarawak if we allocate appropriate resources to enhance HIV testing, treatment and prevention.

"Our Gala in Miri provides an avenue for everyone to contribute and join the effort to end AIDS in Sarawak.”

MAF set up Shape in 2022 due to high demand from hospitals not only for HIV/AIDS patients but also for those with chronic diseases such as thalassemia, heart, kidney, paediatric and mental illnesses.

However, given the increasing number of new HIV cases in Miri, Limbang and the surrounding areas, MAF is now ready to expand its footprint to the northern Sarawak region.

The foundation plans to create a uniquely Sarawak experience at the Miri gala, which will be reflected in the multi-course fine dining menu inspired by traditional Sarawakian dishes and curated by Pullman Miri Waterfront, venue decoration and stage performance that showcase Sarawak’s best.

The Gala will highlight the cultural heritage of the Penan people and also feature performances by Sarawak’s talents Dayang Nurfaizah and Bob Yusof who are part of MAF’s Red Ribbon celebrity supporters’ line-up.

Interhill’s Group executive director Albert Hu Yun Chai said the group has always advocated good environmental, social and governance practices and prioritises initiatives to support the community.

"We are happy with MAF’s initiative to showcase the Penan culture at the Gala.

"We hope this event will raise awareness about the Penan community and help all to appreciate Malaysia’s diverse cultures.”