Healthcare at their doorstep: Dr Chow (second from left) distributing nutritional supplements to Orang Asli villagers in Pahang.
PETALING JAYA: What started as a basic community-empowerment initiative, DRSforALL has now evolved into a comprehensive effort with a significant impact on the marginalised Orang Asli community.
The initiative, which began in the humble confines of an Orang Asli village in Lipis, Pahang, has expanded its reach across various regions in Peninsular Malaysia and is now setting its sights on Sabah and Sarawak.
Founded in 2018 by Dr Steven Chow Kim Weng, DRSforALL has grown from its initial grassroot efforts to include vocational training and job placement programmes for young Orang Asli school leavers.
“DRSforALL is now proven to be a sustainable corporate social responsibility programme,” said Dr Chow, who also serves as the programme’s chairman.
Regular monthly clinic at Pos Medik Kg Dayok in Pahang.
He said this year marks a significant milestone with the commencement of a partnership with the Dignity Foundation for Children.
DRSforALL’s medical team, led by Dr Hew Kin Sun from St John Ambulance Malaysia Pahang, continues its focus on the Ulu Lipis area of Pahang.
The northern team in Kedah, headed by Dr Tan Poh Teng, has successfully initiated similar programmes in upper Perak.
With these successes, the organisation is now poised to extend its services to Sabah and Sarawak, said Dr Chow.
This year, DRSforALL will launch the “Adopt a Village” project, encouraging corporations to collaborate directly in the mission.“This initiative allows corporations to get directly involved and helps us promote sustainable and impactful change,” he added.
One of the most notable achievements for DRSforALL has been in providing medical services to Kampung Gening, a village previously deemed inaccessible due to its challenging terrain.
“Our team had to trek the last 200m uphill, lugging medical supplies and equipment to start our first-ever clinic there in May this year.
“It was a fulfilling achievement as this was one of the last remote villages on our bucket list,” said Dr Chow.
In 2022, DRSforALL was chosen as one of the 10 winners of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) under the social welfare organisation category.
“The SGHA recognition has given us an inspirational boost. The award is a testament that we are on the right path.
“Meeting and sharing experiences with other winners opened doors for potential collaborations, including disaster relief work in remote areas,” Dr Chow said.
He urged more like-minded non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to join DRSforALL in its mission to ensure no community is left behind, especially in terms of access to healthcare.
“We sense that we are moving forward but there is still a lot more that needs to be done. Simple NGOs like us can make a significant impact on society,” he said.
Running for the 10th year since 2015, the SGHA is an annual award by The Star that celebrates everyday Malaysians who make a positive impact on society while promoting unity among the people.
This year, the accolades will be presented to 10 winners and each will receive a cash award of RM15,000, on top of exclusive media publicity across Star Media Group’s various platforms to amplify their selfless efforts.
For details, visit www.sgha.com.my.
