Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (MCPF) terpaksa meluahkan perasaan sedih dan kesal yang teramat terhadap mangsa ragut, Lim See Nya, 58, dari Lunas, Kedah yang telah meninggal dunia akibat di gilis lori selepas jatuh ketika beg tangannya diragut.
Tragedi mangsa ragut terkini ini harus dikecam sekeras-kerasnya oleh seluruh masyarakat Malaysia.
Tragedi seperti ini telah menimpa ramai mangsa ragut yang lain sejak beberapa tahun dahulu dan tidak akan berakhir sekiranya peragut dan penjenayah dibiarkan bebas berkeliaran.
Kejadian seperti ini harus dihentikan. Nyawa adalah kehilangan besar yang tidak ternilai.
MCPF menyarankan supaya Kerajaan menggunakan sepenuh kuasa yang ada untuk mengisytiharkan pembanterasan terhadap peragut dan membawa mereka ke muka keadilan.
Pihak Kerajaan dan pelbagai badan penguatkuasaan undang-undang yang lain termasuk Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) dan badan bukan Kerajaan (NGO) harus bekerjasama dengan satu matlamat serta komitmen untuk memerangi peningkatan peragut yang menjadi perosak di dalam masyarakat.
Pelbagai langkah harus dipertimbangkan untuk dilaksanakan dan ini termasuklah:
a. Pihak polis harus mengadakan lebih ramai anggota dan sumber-sumber untuk menangkap peragut di seluruh negara.
b. Semua PBT harus memperkenalkan inisiatif dan melaksanakan garis panduan di bawah konsep bandar selamat bagi menyediakan ciri-ciri keselamatan seperti membina pengadang untuk membahagikan laluan pejalan kaki dengan jalan raya.
c. Pejalan kaki harus lebih berjaga-jaga terhadap peragut dan mengamalkan garis panduan yang telah disediakan oleh MCPF dan pihak polis dalam mencegah kejadian ragut.
d. Orang awam pula harus bersedia untuk memberikan pertolongan kepada mangsa ragut dengan menangkap penjenayah dan menyerahkan mereka kepada pihak polis.
e. Hukuman yang lebih berat harus dilaksanakan ke atas peragut yang telah disabitkan termasuk hukuman penjara yang mandatori terhadap yang melakukan kesalahan dan mengakibatkan kematian mangsa ragut.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Mental Health on Law Enforcement
As one who is actively involved in the promotion of good mental health, I am of the view that enforcing the law on attempted suicide as a form of deterrence is not the solution to handling cases of attempted suicides. It is the wrong panacea to deal with what is basically a mental problem which needs counseling and not law enforcement.
I share the response from various Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and the opinion of psychiatrists that using the law to deal with attempted suicide is not going to work. On the contrary it may even aggravate the problem as the victims concerned will be more driven to commit suicide.
It must be remembered that the victims are genuinely in need of help. Those who attempt suicides are in trouble, depressed and are having serious psychiatric disorders. The affected people need emotional support and counseling. Prosecuting them is just unthinkable.
Suicide is an emotional problem which must be sorted out appropriately.
Mental illness is a subject very few people wish to talk about but it is a reality which we have to grapple with. Amok and suicide cases reported in the media from time to time involving mentally sick persons, which are of concern to us, are tragic reminders of another side of life less talked about but nevertheless very real.
It is a reality which must not be overlooked or ignored in our quest to become a fully industrialized nation.
It is estimated that one in four family members is suffering from a mental disorder in Malaysia. Ten to fifteen of the cases are suicidal or could harm other people.
There is growing evidence of the global impact of mental illness. Mental health problems are among the most important contributors to the burden of disease and disability worldwide.
The rapid social change and economic uncertainty arising from globalization will result in an increasing number of people subjected to anxiety, depression and mental stress in relation to their jobs and working lives.
The impact that mental illness inflicts on the workers, their families, workplaces and the community is immense and needs to be addressed.
No country or person is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms is high. Mental health should no longer be ignored in our community. On the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems.
Mental health problems, especially stress-related ones among Malaysians are a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed urgently so that problems like depression, mental illness and psychiatric disorders can be avoided.
In line with this, it might be timely for the government to do more for mental health care and promotion. We need more psychologists and counsellors to provide care and attention.
Promoting mental health requires joint efforts between the government and relevant NGOs as well as volunteers working in unison to promote mental well-being. A comprehensive community mental health programme is therefore needed to encourage the community to be better informed about mental health issues and how they can play an effective role in promoting mental health and helping the mentally ill.
I share the response from various Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and the opinion of psychiatrists that using the law to deal with attempted suicide is not going to work. On the contrary it may even aggravate the problem as the victims concerned will be more driven to commit suicide.
It must be remembered that the victims are genuinely in need of help. Those who attempt suicides are in trouble, depressed and are having serious psychiatric disorders. The affected people need emotional support and counseling. Prosecuting them is just unthinkable.
Suicide is an emotional problem which must be sorted out appropriately.
Mental illness is a subject very few people wish to talk about but it is a reality which we have to grapple with. Amok and suicide cases reported in the media from time to time involving mentally sick persons, which are of concern to us, are tragic reminders of another side of life less talked about but nevertheless very real.
It is a reality which must not be overlooked or ignored in our quest to become a fully industrialized nation.
It is estimated that one in four family members is suffering from a mental disorder in Malaysia. Ten to fifteen of the cases are suicidal or could harm other people.
There is growing evidence of the global impact of mental illness. Mental health problems are among the most important contributors to the burden of disease and disability worldwide.
The rapid social change and economic uncertainty arising from globalization will result in an increasing number of people subjected to anxiety, depression and mental stress in relation to their jobs and working lives.
The impact that mental illness inflicts on the workers, their families, workplaces and the community is immense and needs to be addressed.
No country or person is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms is high. Mental health should no longer be ignored in our community. On the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems.
Mental health problems, especially stress-related ones among Malaysians are a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed urgently so that problems like depression, mental illness and psychiatric disorders can be avoided.
In line with this, it might be timely for the government to do more for mental health care and promotion. We need more psychologists and counsellors to provide care and attention.
Promoting mental health requires joint efforts between the government and relevant NGOs as well as volunteers working in unison to promote mental well-being. A comprehensive community mental health programme is therefore needed to encourage the community to be better informed about mental health issues and how they can play an effective role in promoting mental health and helping the mentally ill.
Stop HIV AIDS
December 1 this year marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Over the past 20 years, World AIDS Day has been established as one of the world’s most successful commemorative days. It is now recognised and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the globe.
The theme STOP AIDS, KEEP THE PROMISE is an appeal to governments, policy-makers and regional health authorities to ensure that they meet the many targets that have been set in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and especially the promise of universal access to HIV treatment, care, support and prevention services by 2010.
This year marks the 22nd year since the first AIDS case was reported in Malaysia. Statistics released by the Ministry of Health recently showed that as of June 2008, a cumulative total of 82,704 HIV infected individuals were reported, of whom 14,133 were notified as AIDS cases and 10,783 have died.
While we have come a long way in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, more needs to be done as we continue to see more people become infected and more children being left orphaned by this virus.
The Malaysian AIDS Council should be lauded for continuously taking on the lead role within the community to ensure the implementation of effective prevention, treatment and care programme against HIV.
However, this is one battle that cannot be won alone. The fight against HIV/AIDS as has been demonstrated the world over, can only be successful if there is a partnership and collaboration between different parties whether it is in the area of treatment, prevention or care. And no partnership is stronger than close collaboration between the government, corporate sector, NGOs and the community.
We need to re-commit ourselves to the Millennium Development Goal. The MDG is a UN initiative, ratified by all 189 member States of the United Nations in September 2000, for all nations to pursue a set of interconnected development goals by 2015. We are already halfway through the timeframe.
The MDG has 8 goals in all. Malaysia is now vigorously addressing a number of these goals such as eradicating hardcore poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, and ensuring environmental sustainability. However, up to 2006, Malaysia has yet to achieve one important goal, that is, to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. Without achieving this goal, Malaysia cannot claim to have successfully addressed the deadly disease.
The World AIDS Day celebration today is the perfect platform for us to renew this commitment and to show solidarity for children and adults living with HIV/AIDS as well as to raise awareness on the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, fighting prejudice and improving education.
The theme STOP AIDS, KEEP THE PROMISE is an appeal to governments, policy-makers and regional health authorities to ensure that they meet the many targets that have been set in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and especially the promise of universal access to HIV treatment, care, support and prevention services by 2010.
This year marks the 22nd year since the first AIDS case was reported in Malaysia. Statistics released by the Ministry of Health recently showed that as of June 2008, a cumulative total of 82,704 HIV infected individuals were reported, of whom 14,133 were notified as AIDS cases and 10,783 have died.
While we have come a long way in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, more needs to be done as we continue to see more people become infected and more children being left orphaned by this virus.
The Malaysian AIDS Council should be lauded for continuously taking on the lead role within the community to ensure the implementation of effective prevention, treatment and care programme against HIV.
However, this is one battle that cannot be won alone. The fight against HIV/AIDS as has been demonstrated the world over, can only be successful if there is a partnership and collaboration between different parties whether it is in the area of treatment, prevention or care. And no partnership is stronger than close collaboration between the government, corporate sector, NGOs and the community.
We need to re-commit ourselves to the Millennium Development Goal. The MDG is a UN initiative, ratified by all 189 member States of the United Nations in September 2000, for all nations to pursue a set of interconnected development goals by 2015. We are already halfway through the timeframe.
The MDG has 8 goals in all. Malaysia is now vigorously addressing a number of these goals such as eradicating hardcore poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, and ensuring environmental sustainability. However, up to 2006, Malaysia has yet to achieve one important goal, that is, to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. Without achieving this goal, Malaysia cannot claim to have successfully addressed the deadly disease.
The World AIDS Day celebration today is the perfect platform for us to renew this commitment and to show solidarity for children and adults living with HIV/AIDS as well as to raise awareness on the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, fighting prejudice and improving education.
Kesedaran Awam Pendermaan Organ
Melalui statistik, yang diperolehi dari Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, bilangan tahunan pengikrar penderma organ mengalami aliran turun naik. Sebagai contoh, sejak daftar pengikrar penderma organ dibuka, pada tahun 2000, mencatatkan jumlah pengikrar tahunan tertinggi iaitu sebanyak 16,625 pengikrar. Manakala yang paling rendah adalah pada tahun 1998 iaitu hanya 2,264 pengikrar. Untuk tahun ini, setakat data 31 Oktober 2008 (untuk tahun 2008 sahaja), jumlah pengikrar adalah seramai 10,142 orang pengikrar. Jumlah keseluruhan yang berikrar menjadi Penderma sejak tahun 1997 sehingga kini adalah melebihi 120,900 orang, dimana 60 peratus adalah Orang Cina, 22 peratus Orang India, 12 peratus Orang Melayu dan 3 peratus lain-lain.
Baru-baru ini saya melancarkan KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAAN ORGAN bermatlamat agar mesej mengenai kepentingan dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang Pendermaan Organ dapat disampaikan dengan lebih berkesan dan mampu mencapai tahap audien yang lebih luas. Kempen ini menyasarkan bilangan mereka yang berikrar akan bertambah dan sekurang-kurangnya masyarakat tahu mengenai apa itu yang dimaksudkan dengan pendermaan organ.
Penghasilan bahan-bahan kempen Media Pendermaan Organ yang merangkumi penerbitan komersial di televisyen, radio dan juga di akhbar-akhbar utama ini diharap dapat memberikan impak kesedaran kepada masyarakat umum bahawa masih ramai yang menanti organ untuk mereka meneruskan kehidupan.
Kempen media besar-besaran ini akan berterusan sehingga Februari 2009 dan keberkesanan kempen ini akan dinilai sendiri oleh pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia sama ada ianya mampu mengubah persepsi dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang pendermaan organ.
Kes transplantasi organ dan tisu yang dijalankan di Malaysia hanyalah sebanyak 229 kes, sejak tahun 1976 hingga November 2008. Dan untuk tahun ini sahaja, kes yang dikendalikan hanyalah sebanyak 21 kes. Walhal yang menunggu untuk pendermaan organ melebihi 4,000 orang.
Kempen ini memberi tumpuan dan penekanan kepada pendermaan selepas kematian atau pendermaan Kadeverik. Tanpa program pendermaan kadeverik yang berjaya, pesakit-pesakit yang memerlukan jantung, paru-paru, dan mata tidak akan ada harapan.
Bayangkanlah kadar kematian di jalan raya di Negara kita adalah tinggi, 7,000 kematian dicatatkan akibat kemalangan di jalan raya setiap tahun. Jika sekiranya hanya 10 peratus dari jumlah kematian tersebut menderma organ atau tisu, ramai pesakit yang memerlukan tidak perlu menunggu lama untuk mendapatkan transplant mereka dan penderma hidup tidak lagi diperlukan.
Selain untuk meningkatkan bilangan pendaftar, kempen ini juga bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat, sekiranya terjadi kematian, keluarga bersedia untuk menimbangkan pendermaan. Jadi amat mustahak mereka yang ingin menderma selepas kematian memaklumkan niat murni mereka kepada keluarga.
Bilangan penderma Kadaverik dari tahun 1976 sehingga November 2008, seramai 229 orang. Untuk tahun ini sahaja 23 orang penderma kadeverik telah mendermakan 24 buah pinggang, 4 hati, 34 kornea, 11 injap jantung dan 3 set tulang. Tetapi, berdasarkan statistic yang diberikan oleh Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, jumlah pesakit yang menunggu pendermaan untuk buah pinggang, jantung, paru-paru dan hati adalah seramai 4,181 orang, manakala 6,162 orang lagi sedang dalam penilaian untuk dimasukkan ke program ini.
Sesungguhnya untuk mengajak masyarakat serta memujuk mereka mendaftar sebagai penderma organ bukanlah suatu perkara yang mudah namum ianya bukanlah sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dilakukan. Salah satu cara yang didapati dapat memberikan pulangan yang baik adalah melalui penulisan serta penerbitan mesej yang disebarkan melalui media massa.
Dalam zaman teknologi masa kini, akses untuk mendapatkan maklumat bukan sahaja diperolehi melalui televisyen dan media cetak, malah, penulisan blog dan laman web juga mempunyai audien yang tersendiri. Oleh sebab itu, Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional menghasilkan laman web sendiri agar medium ini dapat menyampaikan maklumat yang lebih terperinci merangkumi pelbagai aspek mengenai penerangan lanjut tentang pendermaan organ, seperti apa itu pendermaan organ, organ dan tisu yang boleh didermakan, siapa yang layak dan sebagainya, serta aktiviti-aktiviti promosi pendermaan organ,dan statistik terkini tentang daftar pengikrar penderma organ, malah melalui laman web ini, pengunjung dapat memuat turun borang pendaftaran untuk menjadi pengikrar penderma organ. Alamat laman web yang dimaksudkan adalah www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
Baru-baru ini saya melancarkan KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAAN ORGAN bermatlamat agar mesej mengenai kepentingan dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang Pendermaan Organ dapat disampaikan dengan lebih berkesan dan mampu mencapai tahap audien yang lebih luas. Kempen ini menyasarkan bilangan mereka yang berikrar akan bertambah dan sekurang-kurangnya masyarakat tahu mengenai apa itu yang dimaksudkan dengan pendermaan organ.
Penghasilan bahan-bahan kempen Media Pendermaan Organ yang merangkumi penerbitan komersial di televisyen, radio dan juga di akhbar-akhbar utama ini diharap dapat memberikan impak kesedaran kepada masyarakat umum bahawa masih ramai yang menanti organ untuk mereka meneruskan kehidupan.
Kempen media besar-besaran ini akan berterusan sehingga Februari 2009 dan keberkesanan kempen ini akan dinilai sendiri oleh pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia sama ada ianya mampu mengubah persepsi dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang pendermaan organ.
Kes transplantasi organ dan tisu yang dijalankan di Malaysia hanyalah sebanyak 229 kes, sejak tahun 1976 hingga November 2008. Dan untuk tahun ini sahaja, kes yang dikendalikan hanyalah sebanyak 21 kes. Walhal yang menunggu untuk pendermaan organ melebihi 4,000 orang.
Kempen ini memberi tumpuan dan penekanan kepada pendermaan selepas kematian atau pendermaan Kadeverik. Tanpa program pendermaan kadeverik yang berjaya, pesakit-pesakit yang memerlukan jantung, paru-paru, dan mata tidak akan ada harapan.
Bayangkanlah kadar kematian di jalan raya di Negara kita adalah tinggi, 7,000 kematian dicatatkan akibat kemalangan di jalan raya setiap tahun. Jika sekiranya hanya 10 peratus dari jumlah kematian tersebut menderma organ atau tisu, ramai pesakit yang memerlukan tidak perlu menunggu lama untuk mendapatkan transplant mereka dan penderma hidup tidak lagi diperlukan.
Selain untuk meningkatkan bilangan pendaftar, kempen ini juga bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat, sekiranya terjadi kematian, keluarga bersedia untuk menimbangkan pendermaan. Jadi amat mustahak mereka yang ingin menderma selepas kematian memaklumkan niat murni mereka kepada keluarga.
Bilangan penderma Kadaverik dari tahun 1976 sehingga November 2008, seramai 229 orang. Untuk tahun ini sahaja 23 orang penderma kadeverik telah mendermakan 24 buah pinggang, 4 hati, 34 kornea, 11 injap jantung dan 3 set tulang. Tetapi, berdasarkan statistic yang diberikan oleh Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, jumlah pesakit yang menunggu pendermaan untuk buah pinggang, jantung, paru-paru dan hati adalah seramai 4,181 orang, manakala 6,162 orang lagi sedang dalam penilaian untuk dimasukkan ke program ini.
Sesungguhnya untuk mengajak masyarakat serta memujuk mereka mendaftar sebagai penderma organ bukanlah suatu perkara yang mudah namum ianya bukanlah sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dilakukan. Salah satu cara yang didapati dapat memberikan pulangan yang baik adalah melalui penulisan serta penerbitan mesej yang disebarkan melalui media massa.
Dalam zaman teknologi masa kini, akses untuk mendapatkan maklumat bukan sahaja diperolehi melalui televisyen dan media cetak, malah, penulisan blog dan laman web juga mempunyai audien yang tersendiri. Oleh sebab itu, Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional menghasilkan laman web sendiri agar medium ini dapat menyampaikan maklumat yang lebih terperinci merangkumi pelbagai aspek mengenai penerangan lanjut tentang pendermaan organ, seperti apa itu pendermaan organ, organ dan tisu yang boleh didermakan, siapa yang layak dan sebagainya, serta aktiviti-aktiviti promosi pendermaan organ,dan statistik terkini tentang daftar pengikrar penderma organ, malah melalui laman web ini, pengunjung dapat memuat turun borang pendaftaran untuk menjadi pengikrar penderma organ. Alamat laman web yang dimaksudkan adalah www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
实达基金会槟城洗肾补贴计划推荐礼
实达基金会主席丹斯里李霖泰透露我国每年将新增加约2，500-3，000名肾脏失去功能的肾脏病人。根据国家肾脏登记的数据，截至2006年已超过14，000名肾脏病人必须接受洗肾的治疗而患病人数仍持续的增长。
众所周知洗肾费用非常昂贵，再加上近来油价上涨而导致的通货膨胀及百物涨价。因此实达基金会准备协助低收入群的肾脏病人， 减轻他们的负担。
每名肾脏病人每次洗肾费用大约是110令吉。如果每个肾脏病人的家庭总收入少过5000令吉，卫生部将另外补贴50令吉给于每个肾脏病人每次的洗肾治疗。所以肾脏病人每次的洗肾治疗费用约60令吉。如果再加上医生指示（依病患的病情而定）的特定药物注射，每个肾脏病人每次洗肾须付费40-60令吉。
而每名肾脏病人每个月必须接受约13次的洗肾治疗。因此，每名肾脏病人每月总共须花费780令吉至1500令吉的洗肾费用。对于一个低收入的家庭，这笔费用是一项沉重的负担。
李氏今日在槟城为实达基金会主持“洗肾治疗补贴计划”推荐礼上表示实达基金会秉承继续协助社会低收入群体，因此每年拨出60万令吉以协助低收入的肾脏病人，以便能够减轻他们的洗肾治疗费用。我们已经在今年9月开始，透过巴生谷的28间非盈利洗肾中心的协助，给予补贴援助急需协助的低收入肾脏病人。
李氏表示成功得到该援助计划的肾脏病人，实达基金会将会每月补贴他们500令吉，以减轻他们洗肾费用的负担。因此，实达基金会每年拨出12万令吉在槟城推行这项能够协助低收入肾脏病人的补贴计划，当中共有11间非盈利洗肾中心参与我们的补贴计划。过后，我们亦将在南马柔佛推行这项计划。
实达基金会将持续维护基金会的任务与宗旨，以便协助更多的社区援助计划、不分种族的帮助低收入群，并努力提升社会福利以便我国能够迈向一个关怀与爱心的社会。
众所周知洗肾费用非常昂贵，再加上近来油价上涨而导致的通货膨胀及百物涨价。因此实达基金会准备协助低收入群的肾脏病人， 减轻他们的负担。
每名肾脏病人每次洗肾费用大约是110令吉。如果每个肾脏病人的家庭总收入少过5000令吉，卫生部将另外补贴50令吉给于每个肾脏病人每次的洗肾治疗。所以肾脏病人每次的洗肾治疗费用约60令吉。如果再加上医生指示（依病患的病情而定）的特定药物注射，每个肾脏病人每次洗肾须付费40-60令吉。
而每名肾脏病人每个月必须接受约13次的洗肾治疗。因此，每名肾脏病人每月总共须花费780令吉至1500令吉的洗肾费用。对于一个低收入的家庭，这笔费用是一项沉重的负担。
李氏今日在槟城为实达基金会主持“洗肾治疗补贴计划”推荐礼上表示实达基金会秉承继续协助社会低收入群体，因此每年拨出60万令吉以协助低收入的肾脏病人，以便能够减轻他们的洗肾治疗费用。我们已经在今年9月开始，透过巴生谷的28间非盈利洗肾中心的协助，给予补贴援助急需协助的低收入肾脏病人。
李氏表示成功得到该援助计划的肾脏病人，实达基金会将会每月补贴他们500令吉，以减轻他们洗肾费用的负担。因此，实达基金会每年拨出12万令吉在槟城推行这项能够协助低收入肾脏病人的补贴计划，当中共有11间非盈利洗肾中心参与我们的补贴计划。过后，我们亦将在南马柔佛推行这项计划。
实达基金会将持续维护基金会的任务与宗旨，以便协助更多的社区援助计划、不分种族的帮助低收入群，并努力提升社会福利以便我国能够迈向一个关怀与爱心的社会。
Launching Heamodialysis Programme in Penang on 9 Dec 2008
S P Setia Foundation launches Haemodialysis Treatment Subsidy Programme in Penang. Pledges RM120,000 annually to kidney patients in low income families
Speech by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Salutations
Thank you for coming to this simple yet meaningful event. Health is a commodity that is much sought after as without it, one’s life can be hampered in many ways. Imagine if one suffered from something like kidney failure and the only way to continue leading a normal life is to go through periodic medical treatment.
These medical treatment may be as frequent as three time a week and is not cheap. For many, being diagnosed with a medical condition that requires periodic treatment may seem daunting, more so when one does not earn much and has to support a family.
Ladies and gentlemen
Every year, between 2,500 to 3,000 Malaysians are diagnosed with kidney failure and have to undergo haemodialysis treatment to lead a normal life. On average, a haemodialysis patient can spend between RM750 to RM1,500 a month on treatment, depending on how severe the condition is.
With escalating costs of living, this is a hefty sum for many low income families. This is where S P Setia Foundation sees itself playing an active role. The Foundation has always been sensitive to the needs of Malaysians who require medical assistance and who find it difficult to pay for their treatment.
This year, the Foundation has made a commitment to lend a hand to kidney failure patients from low income families by subsidizing their treatment. The programme was launched in August with a pledge of RM600,000 yearly to help poor patients in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor. The reason why these three states were chosen is because S P Setia Bhd has a strong presence here.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today, it costs a haemodialysis patient RM110 per treatment at a non-profit haemodialysis centre. For those with a household income of less than RM5,000, the Ministry of Health provides a subsidy of RM50 for each treatment, which works out to RM60 for each haemodialysis session.
On average, a kidney patient needs to undergo three treatments a week which amounts to RM780 per month. There are other circumstances which require additional treatment which can come up to RM1,500 a month.
This is indeed a hefty sum for a low income family, which is why the Foundation has deemed it fit to start a subsidy programme for haemodialysis patients in need.
I am pleased to announce that after the Klang Valley, we are now pledging support in the sum of RM120,000 yearly for kidney failure patients in Penang. We have identified 11 haemodialysis centres run by NGOs where we will subsidise RM500 a month for each patient to be paid directly to the centre.
Ladies and gentlemen.
We see our contribution as a small gesture in assisting kidney patients who find it increasingly difficult to pay for rising medical costs. If we can help them in any way to lead a normal life, we would have achieved part of the Foundation’s mission statement.
We can only aim to understand what it is like to face such challenges everyday and any little way that the Foundation can contribute to make these patients’ lives more comfortable is something that we are proud to do.
Thank you.
Speech by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Salutations
Thank you for coming to this simple yet meaningful event. Health is a commodity that is much sought after as without it, one’s life can be hampered in many ways. Imagine if one suffered from something like kidney failure and the only way to continue leading a normal life is to go through periodic medical treatment.
These medical treatment may be as frequent as three time a week and is not cheap. For many, being diagnosed with a medical condition that requires periodic treatment may seem daunting, more so when one does not earn much and has to support a family.
Ladies and gentlemen
Every year, between 2,500 to 3,000 Malaysians are diagnosed with kidney failure and have to undergo haemodialysis treatment to lead a normal life. On average, a haemodialysis patient can spend between RM750 to RM1,500 a month on treatment, depending on how severe the condition is.
With escalating costs of living, this is a hefty sum for many low income families. This is where S P Setia Foundation sees itself playing an active role. The Foundation has always been sensitive to the needs of Malaysians who require medical assistance and who find it difficult to pay for their treatment.
This year, the Foundation has made a commitment to lend a hand to kidney failure patients from low income families by subsidizing their treatment. The programme was launched in August with a pledge of RM600,000 yearly to help poor patients in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor. The reason why these three states were chosen is because S P Setia Bhd has a strong presence here.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today, it costs a haemodialysis patient RM110 per treatment at a non-profit haemodialysis centre. For those with a household income of less than RM5,000, the Ministry of Health provides a subsidy of RM50 for each treatment, which works out to RM60 for each haemodialysis session.
On average, a kidney patient needs to undergo three treatments a week which amounts to RM780 per month. There are other circumstances which require additional treatment which can come up to RM1,500 a month.
This is indeed a hefty sum for a low income family, which is why the Foundation has deemed it fit to start a subsidy programme for haemodialysis patients in need.
I am pleased to announce that after the Klang Valley, we are now pledging support in the sum of RM120,000 yearly for kidney failure patients in Penang. We have identified 11 haemodialysis centres run by NGOs where we will subsidise RM500 a month for each patient to be paid directly to the centre.
Ladies and gentlemen.
We see our contribution as a small gesture in assisting kidney patients who find it increasingly difficult to pay for rising medical costs. If we can help them in any way to lead a normal life, we would have achieved part of the Foundation’s mission statement.
We can only aim to understand what it is like to face such challenges everyday and any little way that the Foundation can contribute to make these patients’ lives more comfortable is something that we are proud to do.
Thank you.
Drug abuse at Workplace
The escalating abuse of drug and other psychoactive substances has become a major global concern necessitating a comprehensive response and a collaborative and participatory partnership approach from all segments of society.
Business and community collaboration is at the heart of such a participatory and partnership approach. The individual workplace mirrors these problems as a result of the deteriorating health of workers, absenteeism, work accidents and other increased safety risks.
Today the economic and human costs of substance abuse in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Drug addiction is no longer a rich nation’s problem or a poor man’s affliction.
It transcends national, ethnic, religious, class and gender lines. Addicts range from the rich to the poor, the homeless to blue and white-collar workers, students, rural farmers, urban employees and street children.
In addiction to wreaking havoc on the lives of addicts and their families, drug addiction is creating a myriad of new problems for communities such as increased crime and violence, the emergence of various social ills and the deterioration of the social fabric, as well as the spread of drug-related diseases such AIDS and Hepatitis.
Drug abuse is a threat and poses devastating effects on workplaces. Many work-related accidents, injuries, illness, absenteeism, non-productivity and poor quality of production are linked to drug abuse.
The need to ensure that workplaces are free from drug abuse is obvious. Drug use has been found to contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism, medical claims and compensation claims. Poor productivity, high staff turnover and criminal involvement have been found arising from the use of alcohol and drug abuse.
Collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector and NGOs are needed to overcome drug abuse problem at the workplace and keep the workforce productive and healthy for economic development and improved quality of life.
There is a need to develop a drug-free workplace policy to benefit both employers and employees such as to provide for job security in respect of employees and productivity and profitability for the employers.
All companies should have a health and safety policy and every effort should be made to ensure workplace drug abuse prevention programmes be made an integral part of activities for occupational safety and health.
I believe the best way to address the drug abuse problem at the workplace is through the implementation of the following Six-Point Programme:-
i. Management commitment and leadership to work towards a drug-free workplace.
ii. Drug free workplace policy and committee to operationalise the activities of a drug-free workplace programme.
iii. Employee education and awareness programme on the specific dangers of drug abuse and why the workforce should be free from drugs.
iv. Drug screening programme to detect drug abuse at workplaces.
v. Treatment referral to enable employers to assist employees.
Who are drug users to seek help, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation instead of dismissing them and making them a threat to the community?
vi. Corporate sector involvement to provide sponsorship to help credible NGOs in carrying out sustained anti-drug campaigns at the community level.
Business and community collaboration is at the heart of such a participatory and partnership approach. The individual workplace mirrors these problems as a result of the deteriorating health of workers, absenteeism, work accidents and other increased safety risks.
Today the economic and human costs of substance abuse in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Drug addiction is no longer a rich nation’s problem or a poor man’s affliction.
It transcends national, ethnic, religious, class and gender lines. Addicts range from the rich to the poor, the homeless to blue and white-collar workers, students, rural farmers, urban employees and street children.
In addiction to wreaking havoc on the lives of addicts and their families, drug addiction is creating a myriad of new problems for communities such as increased crime and violence, the emergence of various social ills and the deterioration of the social fabric, as well as the spread of drug-related diseases such AIDS and Hepatitis.
Drug abuse is a threat and poses devastating effects on workplaces. Many work-related accidents, injuries, illness, absenteeism, non-productivity and poor quality of production are linked to drug abuse.
The need to ensure that workplaces are free from drug abuse is obvious. Drug use has been found to contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism, medical claims and compensation claims. Poor productivity, high staff turnover and criminal involvement have been found arising from the use of alcohol and drug abuse.
Collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector and NGOs are needed to overcome drug abuse problem at the workplace and keep the workforce productive and healthy for economic development and improved quality of life.
There is a need to develop a drug-free workplace policy to benefit both employers and employees such as to provide for job security in respect of employees and productivity and profitability for the employers.
All companies should have a health and safety policy and every effort should be made to ensure workplace drug abuse prevention programmes be made an integral part of activities for occupational safety and health.
I believe the best way to address the drug abuse problem at the workplace is through the implementation of the following Six-Point Programme:-
i. Management commitment and leadership to work towards a drug-free workplace.
ii. Drug free workplace policy and committee to operationalise the activities of a drug-free workplace programme.
iii. Employee education and awareness programme on the specific dangers of drug abuse and why the workforce should be free from drugs.
iv. Drug screening programme to detect drug abuse at workplaces.
v. Treatment referral to enable employers to assist employees.
Who are drug users to seek help, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation instead of dismissing them and making them a threat to the community?
vi. Corporate sector involvement to provide sponsorship to help credible NGOs in carrying out sustained anti-drug campaigns at the community level.
Pencegahan dan Membasmi Jenayah
Jenayah dan ketakutan kepada jenayah telah menimbulkan suatu isu yang menjadi kebimbangan utama rakyat Malaysia pada masa kini.
Dalam keadaan situasi ekonomi yang tidak menentu serta isu kemasukan pendatang haram, bilangan kejadian jenayah boleh meningkat.
Ini merupakan suatu waktu yang mencabar kepada pihak polis sebagai penguatkuasa undang-undang dan mereka harus berusaha sedaya upaya untuk membenteras jenayah dan melindungi orang awam.
Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (MCPF) adalah sangat bimbang tentang kejadian jenayah dan menyeru orang awam sering berhati-hati dan memainkan peranan yang lebih proaktif untuk menangani jenayah.
Kejadian jenayah memberi kesan terhadap keselamatan warga Malaysia dan ketakutan kepada jenayah adalah merupakan suatu ancaman ke atas kesejahteraan komuniti.
Jenayah hari ini memberi kesan serius ke atas orang ramai tanpa mengira kaum dan jantina. Oleh sebab itu, inilah masanya bagi setiap rakyat Malaysia bertegas dalam kesungguhan mereka membenteras jenayah. Membenteras jenayah bermula dengan kesedaran setiap individu untuk mencegah jenayah.
MCPF telah menganjurkan secara aktif kempen kesedaran pencegahan dan mencetak 1 juta risalah dalam 4 bahasa menasihati orang awam bagaimana mereka dapat mengikuti apa yang selamat dan menjauhi apa yang bahaya dalam pencegahan jenayah.
Secara ringkasnya, orang awam haruslah sentiasa BERWASPADA; tidak mengambil ringan tentang keselamatan; tidak menyediakan peluang dan ruang untuk jenayah berlaku dan meningkatkan kesedaran tentang pencegahan jenayah.
Oleh kerana kejadian jenayah berlaku berterusan dan kenyataan bahawa pihak penguatkuasa undang-undang bersendirian tidak mampu mengatasi masalah tersebut, pihak kerajaan perlu mengadakan polisi dan program sosial yang berkesan untuk mengekang dan membasmi kejadian jenayah.
Dalam hubungan ini isu-isu mengenai kemelesetan ekonomi, pengangguran, pendatang tanpa izin dan lain-lain perlu ditangani dengan berkesan.
Walau bagaimanapun, kerajaan memerlukan penglibatan orang lain seperti peniaga, penduduk, ahli professional dan orang awam untuk membantu mereka dalam membenteras jenayah.
Oleh yang demikian, pembuat polisi, ahli akademik dan lain-lain peringkat dalam masyarakat perlu menyahut cabaran ini dan menjadikan bandar, kota dan komuniti mereka selamat dan sejahtera untuk semua penduduk.
Sehubungan dengan ini, usaha yang berterusan harus dilakukan untuk mengurangkan jenayah, menghilangkan ketakutan dan mewujudkan Bandar dan kota di mana ekonomi perniagaan dan masyakarat dapat subur.
Agenda untuk mengawal dan mencegah jenayah memerlukan usaha sinergi, terancang dan berterusan daripada orang ramai. Orang ramai mempunyai peranan dan fungsi dalam usaha menangani jenayah.
Orang awam perlu diberi kesedaran bahawa tanggungjawab memerangi jenayah adalah tanggungjawab bersama. Sejak penubuhannya, MCPF terlibat secara aktif di dalam kempen kesedaran dengan berbagai organisasi yang berteraskan masyarakat untuk membantu meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai keperluan untuk tidak mengambil ringan keselamatan mereka tetapi sebaliknya menyertai aktiviti-aktiviti secara aktif untuk memerangi jenayah.
Melalui projek inisiatif Bandar dan kejiranan selamat, MCPF berharap dapat melibatkan penyertaan semua lapisan masyarakat di dalam mendidik orang ramai mengenai apa yang mereka perlu lakukan untuk mengelak kejadian jenayah.
Dalam keadaan situasi ekonomi yang tidak menentu serta isu kemasukan pendatang haram, bilangan kejadian jenayah boleh meningkat.
Ini merupakan suatu waktu yang mencabar kepada pihak polis sebagai penguatkuasa undang-undang dan mereka harus berusaha sedaya upaya untuk membenteras jenayah dan melindungi orang awam.
Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (MCPF) adalah sangat bimbang tentang kejadian jenayah dan menyeru orang awam sering berhati-hati dan memainkan peranan yang lebih proaktif untuk menangani jenayah.
Kejadian jenayah memberi kesan terhadap keselamatan warga Malaysia dan ketakutan kepada jenayah adalah merupakan suatu ancaman ke atas kesejahteraan komuniti.
Jenayah hari ini memberi kesan serius ke atas orang ramai tanpa mengira kaum dan jantina. Oleh sebab itu, inilah masanya bagi setiap rakyat Malaysia bertegas dalam kesungguhan mereka membenteras jenayah. Membenteras jenayah bermula dengan kesedaran setiap individu untuk mencegah jenayah.
MCPF telah menganjurkan secara aktif kempen kesedaran pencegahan dan mencetak 1 juta risalah dalam 4 bahasa menasihati orang awam bagaimana mereka dapat mengikuti apa yang selamat dan menjauhi apa yang bahaya dalam pencegahan jenayah.
Secara ringkasnya, orang awam haruslah sentiasa BERWASPADA; tidak mengambil ringan tentang keselamatan; tidak menyediakan peluang dan ruang untuk jenayah berlaku dan meningkatkan kesedaran tentang pencegahan jenayah.
Oleh kerana kejadian jenayah berlaku berterusan dan kenyataan bahawa pihak penguatkuasa undang-undang bersendirian tidak mampu mengatasi masalah tersebut, pihak kerajaan perlu mengadakan polisi dan program sosial yang berkesan untuk mengekang dan membasmi kejadian jenayah.
Dalam hubungan ini isu-isu mengenai kemelesetan ekonomi, pengangguran, pendatang tanpa izin dan lain-lain perlu ditangani dengan berkesan.
Walau bagaimanapun, kerajaan memerlukan penglibatan orang lain seperti peniaga, penduduk, ahli professional dan orang awam untuk membantu mereka dalam membenteras jenayah.
Oleh yang demikian, pembuat polisi, ahli akademik dan lain-lain peringkat dalam masyarakat perlu menyahut cabaran ini dan menjadikan bandar, kota dan komuniti mereka selamat dan sejahtera untuk semua penduduk.
Sehubungan dengan ini, usaha yang berterusan harus dilakukan untuk mengurangkan jenayah, menghilangkan ketakutan dan mewujudkan Bandar dan kota di mana ekonomi perniagaan dan masyakarat dapat subur.
Agenda untuk mengawal dan mencegah jenayah memerlukan usaha sinergi, terancang dan berterusan daripada orang ramai. Orang ramai mempunyai peranan dan fungsi dalam usaha menangani jenayah.
Orang awam perlu diberi kesedaran bahawa tanggungjawab memerangi jenayah adalah tanggungjawab bersama. Sejak penubuhannya, MCPF terlibat secara aktif di dalam kempen kesedaran dengan berbagai organisasi yang berteraskan masyarakat untuk membantu meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai keperluan untuk tidak mengambil ringan keselamatan mereka tetapi sebaliknya menyertai aktiviti-aktiviti secara aktif untuk memerangi jenayah.
Melalui projek inisiatif Bandar dan kejiranan selamat, MCPF berharap dapat melibatkan penyertaan semua lapisan masyarakat di dalam mendidik orang ramai mengenai apa yang mereka perlu lakukan untuk mengelak kejadian jenayah.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
