SAMARAHAN: Patients at the Sarawak Heart Centre received visitors bearing care packages and offering festive tidings here on Wednesday.
The annual programme by members of the Sarawak Culinary and Kuih Muih Association, which is now in its seventh year, sought to comfort and support patients at the facility.
The corporate social responsibility initiative was graced by Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and the association’s chairperson, Zaiton Istihar Khan.
According to Zaiton, the association distributed 30 care packages containing traditional kuih muih, duit raya, and essential pillows for heart patients.
“This initiative not only uplifts the spirits of patients but also highlights the importance of giving back to the community, especially to those facing health challenges,” said Zaiton while expressing gratitude to Fatimah for her support.
During the event, Fatimah commended the association’s efforts, emphasising the importance of visiting and supporting the sick.
“For us at the Ministry, which prioritises community well-being, this is an initiative we strongly encourage.
“Visiting the sick and offering support, whether emotionally or through small gestures, helps ease their burden.
“We hope this effort provides comfort and motivation to the patients,” she said.
Additionally, she said a new addition to this year’s contributions, pillows for heart patients, was a thoughtful gesture after learning from a doctor’s daughter that patients often require chest support when coughing.
Beyond this initiative, the Ministry has also visited the paediatric oncology unit for children, the haemodialysis unit at Sarawak General Hospital, and MyANGKASA, a private dialysis centre.
“These visits help break the monotony of hospital stays and provide much-needed emotional support to patients and caregivers.
“More importantly, they remind patients that they are not alone, and that the community cares for them,” Fatimah added.
She praised Sarawak’s strong support system from government initiatives and NGOs, particularly during Ramadan, when various groups offer aid in multiple forms.
“In Islam, visiting the sick is a highly encouraged act of kindness,” she said.
The association, predominantly led by women, hopes to continue organising similar programmes in the future.
