KUCHING, April 25: Thirty-nine residents from 20 longhouses located along Jalan Bukut in Balingian will undergo visual rehabilitation for cataracts in a programme coordinated by Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) with volunteers from Mukah Hospital.
The mobile team of volunteers carried out preliminary screenings on 130 residents at these longhouses from April 13-14.
The 39 residents were identified as having signs of cataracts and have been referred for detailed examination this July.
A press release from Sarawak Energy today said it was carrying on from the success of its first corporate social responsibility ‘Eye Vision Programme for Better Living in the Rural Community’ in Kapit and Baleh in 2017, where 86 individuals benefitted from the initiative.
The state utility company also conducted similar preliminary eye screenings in Sungai Asap and Murum last month.
“This programme, which aims to aid visual improvement of our neighbouring communities, is a worthy social investment,” said Sarawak Energy general manager (Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability) Jiwari Abdullah.
Jiwari added that cataract surgery was becoming more accessible and that Sarawak Energy was pleased to be able to extend this programme to Balingian folk.
“Under this programme, the residents do not have to pay anything, and this can come as a relief for those who cannot afford treatments,” he added.
The CSR Eye Vision Programme for Better Living in the Rural Community was awarded Gold under Best Community Programme category at the 10th Annual Global CSR Awards held in Lombok, Indonesia, last year.
The programme had the energy provider collaborating with the Ophthalmology Department of Sarawak, Klinik Katarak Malaysia and hospitals.
By going to the community, the outreach programme shortens waiting time for those requiring the operation. — DayakDaily
