KUCHING, March 22: Fifty-two villagers from Sungai Asap and Murum resettlements will undergo visual rehabilitation for cataract, assisted by Sarawak Energy and volunteers from Klinik Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) Belaga and Sungai Asap.
Following the success of its first CSR eye vision initiative in Kapit and Baleh last year that benefitted 86 individuals, Sarawak Energy extended the programme to Sungai Asap and Murum. The preliminary screening was carried out on March 8 and 9.
In Sungai Asap, 613 villagers turned up for the screening, out of which 47 were referred for detailed examination. In Murum, 94 had their eyes checked and five were referred for detailed examination.
The mobile team of volunteers went to 15 longhouses in Sungai Asap and seven longhouses at the Tegulang and Metalun Resettlement. By going to the community, the outreach programme shortens waiting time for those requiring operation.
Sarawak Energy general manager (Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability) Jiwari Abdullah described the programme as a “worthy social investment”.
“Cataract surgery is becoming more accessible, and we are pleased to be able to extend this programme to the communities in Sungai Asap and Murum. Under this programme, the operation is free, and this can come as a relief for those who could not afford due to financial constraint,” he said.
Sarawak Energy’s CSR Eye Vision Programme for Better Living in the Rural Community was awarded Gold under Best Community Programme category at the 10th Annual Global Corporate Social Responsibility Awards held in Lombok, Indonesia, last year.
The programme is supported by the Sarawak Health Department, working collaboratively with Klinik Katarak Malaysia, Sarawak Ophthalmology Service, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Bintulu Hospital, Sungai Asap Clinic and Belaga Clinic. — DayakDaily
