TWO major foundations, run by the Johor royal family, have been tirelessly distributing aid and medical assistance especially to the poor and needy in the state. They are Sultanah Rogayah Foundation (YSR) and the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (TLJCF).
YSR chairman Datuk R. Sugumaran said that between January last year and February this year, the foundation had attended to 294 cases and provided assistance to dozens of people and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) statewide.
“Being the kind-hearted Ruler that he is, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has established five foundations in Johor to eradicate poverty and improve the people’s quality of life.
“Each of the foundations caters to different needs or communities, and for YSR, the focus is to improve the lives of the Indian community, a mission that we take very seriously.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia granting an audience to Sugumaran and other YSR board members in March 2023. — Photo from Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page
“Over the years, we have assisted dozens of people and NGOs in various aspects, especially on welfare, education and entrepreneurship,” he said, adding that since last year more than RM1mil in aid has been given out.Apart from YSR and TLJCF, the other foundations under the Johor Royal Foundations umbrella include the Sultan Ibrahim Johor Foundation, Raja Zarith Sofiah Johor Foundation, and Sultanah Fatimah Foundation.
Sugumaran, a former police officer and Sultan Ibrahim’s former aide-de-camp, said the foundation studied each case it received thoroughly, ensuring that aid reached the right hands.
“I use my years of experience in the police force to make sure that each case is investigated and vetted carefully.
“The allocation is meant to help the needy, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it reaches the right people,” he said, adding that he is thankful to the state government for the allocation.
He said among initiatives the foundation has carried out over the years include providing free eye screening, handing out food baskets and financial aid, providing schooling needs to children in Tamil schools, and working with NGOs to provide educational programmes.
“There are now 10 NGOs working closely with us, and we hope to collaborate with more charity groups in the future.
“Apart from providing aid, YSR is also overseeing Hindu temples in Johor and matters involving the last rites of the Indian community.
“This includes the soon-to-be-built special complex for the Indian community to perform final rites in Teluk Jawa,” he said, adding that the YSR has been given six months to come up with a plan for the complex.
Sugumaran, who has known Sultan Ibrahim for over 22 years, said YSR, along with the four other foundations inspired by His Majesty, is a testimony of the Ruler’s love and compassion for the people.
“His Majesty wants his people to live a dignified life with no one left below the poverty line.
“The Sultan is a kind-hearted and thoughtful Ruler who is also strict at the same time. His Majesty is a leader who wants to see his people succeed.
“His Majesty is also a wise Ruler with a wealth of knowledge in various areas,” he said, adding that Sultan Ibrahim is well versed in the fields of engineering, aviation, security, sailing, and many others.
Asked how he thinks Sultan Ibrahim would do as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sugumaran said His Majesty will bring Malaysia to great heights as he did for Johor. Meanwhile, TLJCF executive director Kol (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Perang Musa said that more than 100,000 cancer patients have benefited from TLJCF’s facilities since the last eight years.
Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation chief executive officer Mohd Ikmal Izam Zaini (in purple) taking a group photo with the doctors and nurses at the Tunku Laksamana Johor Oncology Day Treatment Unit locatedat Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital (hSNI) in Batu Pahat, Johor.
He added that they recently enhanced the facilities of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Oncology Day Treatment Unit located at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital (HSNI) in Batu Pahat in Johor.
He said that the renovation works, started in December last year, have now been completed.
“The refurbished Tunku Laksamana Johor Oncology Day Treatment Unit was reopened in mid-March to cater to cancer patients.
“The Oncology Day Treatment Unit at HSNI is pivotal in administering daily chemotherapy to cancer patients residing in and around Batu Pahat who are in stable condition,” he said when contacted.
He further elaborated that the treatment facility can accommodate up to 10 patients at a time, with chemotherapy sessions typically lasting between two and three hours each.
“To ensure a more comfortable experience for patients undergoing treatment, TLJCF has upgraded the amenities at the Tunku Laksamana Johor Oncology Day Treatment Unit by providing comfortable reclining chairs,” he added.
Mohamed Perang highlighted that enhancements have also been made to the patient pantry, patient toilet, and consultation room, considering the frequent visits of cancer patients for chemotherapy sessions.
Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation has upgraded the amenities at the Tunku Laksamana Johor Oncology Day Treatment Unit by providing comfortable reclining chairs, patient pantry, patient toilet, and consultation room.
“Many of these patients commute from places like Segamat, which is quite a distance away, making the journey tiresome.
“We aspire that these improved facilities will offer a more soothing environment for cancer patients during their treatment,” he said.
Additionally, TLJCF aims to expand its efforts beyond HSNI, striving to improve and establish more facilities to facilitate easier access to cancer treatment for patients.
“In addition to enhancing comfort for cancer patients, these efforts also aim to alleviate the financial burden associated with treatment and transportation,” said Mohamed Perang.
Previously, TLJCF has upgraded several facilities in various hospitals across Johor, including the Tunku Laksamana Johor Haematology Ward at Sultanah Aminah Hospital and the Tunku Laksamana Johor Complex at Permai Hospital in Johor Baru.
“We have also enhanced the Tunku Laksamana Johor Foundation Oncology Treatment Centre at Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital in Muar, among other initiatives, since 2015.”
