By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 4: The official opening of the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan (TKTN) centre in Bintulu marks the completion of Sarawak’s integrated network of HIV services, underscoring the State government’s leadership through a RM2.25 million grant, the first-ever commitment by a State government in Malaysia to ensure the continuity of HIV prevention programmes.
According to a media release, the centre strengthens a comprehensive HIV care model that supports the sustainability of Malaysia’s national HIV response, ensuring people living with HIV receive access to treatment, counselling, and psychosocial support.
Inspired by Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, TKTN embodies the legacy of compassion and care of the late Pehin Seri Adenan Satem, reflecting a commitment to the well-being of all Sarawakians, regardless of background.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated the opening of the third centre in Bintulu on Tuesday (Feb 3), completing the existing network in Kuching and Miri.
“Based on the principle of shared responsibility, the State Government is pleased to support this initiative. Last year, the Premier approved a RM2.25 million grant over three years to ensure the continuity of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan’s operations,” Dr Sim said.
This support not only sets a benchmark for greater state-level engagement in HIV prevention but also aligns with Malaysia’s National Strategic Plan to End AIDS, which prioritises collaboration among the Ministry of Health, civil society organisations, and relevant sectors.
The spirit of shared responsibility was echoed by the Minister of Health Malaysia, delivered by Deputy Minister Datuk Hanifah Taib, who highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening HIV prevention efforts.
Looking ahead, the corporate sector is expected to play an increasingly significant role through the National HIV and AIDS Replenishment Plan, designed to address the post–Global Fund financing gap by 2028.
This plan utilises a matching financing mechanism between the government and private sector, positioning HIV prevention as a high-impact social investment that strengthens the sustainability of Malaysia’s HIV response.
“In the spirit of shared responsibility, the federal government warmly welcomes the involvement of the Sarawak government as a strategic partner in the National HIV and AIDS Replenishment Initiative.
“With Sarawak’s progressive leadership and experience in developing effective public–private collaboration models, the State’s participation will further strengthen national efforts to ensure sustainable and high impact financing for HIV prevention and support,” Hanifah added.
Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, chair of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, added that close collaboration between federal and state governments, civil society organisations, and international partners has increased confidence in Malaysia’s readiness to manage this financing transition effectively.
Malaysia’s domestic leadership in HIV financing has also earned recognition from G7 countries, the United Nations, and the World Health Organisation, reflecting confidence in the country’s ability to sustain and expand its national HIV response.
Malaysian AIDS Foundation Borneo patron Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, Tanjung Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming as well as Malaysian AIDS Council and Malaysian AIDS Foundation executive director Jasmin Jalil were among the distinguished guests present at the event. — DayakDaily
