State Government supports initiative to set up Sabah's first Children's Hospice

Liew (3rd left) witnessing the presentation of a mock cheque for RM200,000 raised from a public collection and the fund-raising dinner, by the President MMA, Dato' Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira (4th left) to the Vice-President of the MAPPAC, Dr Ng Su Fang.

1 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government fully supports the vision of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (MAPPAC) to establish Sabah’s first children’s hospice, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

"The State Government recognises the critical importance of paediatric palliative care. Tackling the challenges in this area is a vital step in our ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare equity and reaffirm our commitment to people-centred development," he said.

The initiative by the MMA in collaboration with MAPPAC to raise funds and awareness

to build the Children Hospice in Sabah through the SEPEDA Amal Borneo 2025, a

cross-Borneo cycling campaign, is a noble effort, he said at the SEPEDA fundraising

dinner at the Hilton Hotel here tonight.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew

delivered his speech.

"Children with serious and life-limiting illnesses deserve not only medical attention, but

also dignity, comfort, and a sense of peace, wherever they are, whether in hospital or

at home.

"Their families need support, understanding, and the assurance that they are not

walking this arduous journey alone.

"Nationwide, an estimated 80,000 children are in need of such care, and right here in

Sabah, around 9,000 children live with life-limiting and non-curable illnesses.

"These young children and their families deserve not only medical care, but

compassion, dignity and support throughout their journey," he said.

The Chief Minister noted that while progress has been made, access to specialised

paediatric palliative care can still be limited in certain parts of Sabah, particularly in

rural and interior areas.

At the moment paediatric palliative care is provided solely by a dedicated team at the Sabah Women's and Children's Hospital, Likas, since 2013.

The unit receives more than 100 referrals a year and this number is increasing," he said.

In this regard, Hajiji lauded the dedication of the Ministry of Health for continuing to

develop this service in Sabah as well as the MAPPAC for its efforts to bring free homebased palliative care services to communities across Sabah.

He also congratulated the 17 cyclists from around the world for embarking on this

challenging journey in the name of charity, having cycled from Sandakan one week

ago and arrived in Kota Kinabalu today.

"This cross-Borneo cycling campaign is not just a show of endurance; it is a journey of compassion and hope. By raising both funds and awareness for the establishment of the Children's Hospice in Kota Kinabalu, you are helping to build a lifeline for children and families in need," he said.

He said the MMA's leadership in this cause reflects a deep commitment to public

service, extending beyond the clinic and the hospital, which is a testament to what the

medical profession stands for.

"In this regard, I applaud the MMA's efforts and synergy in serving communities and in

this regard, expanding resources to paediatric palliative care, complementing the

government's role for a more inclusive and compassionate Sabah," he said.

"The impact of your initiative will enrich the fabric of our society and significantly

enhance the overall well-being of our communities. On behalf of the State Government

of Sabah, I thank you for your exemplary efforts," he said.