SIBU: The involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the National Cancer Council (MAKNA) is crucial to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee said that such an organisation can help with the provision of screening services, treatment bursaries, nursing care, and emotional support.
Tiang stressed that cancer patients need people’s support especially since they might have faced delayed treatment during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Screening and early detection of new cancer patients have also been placed on the back burner during this period,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Cycle for Cancer event at a renowned hotel here yesterday.
Tiang also said that cancer is the second leading cause of death in Malaysia, adding approximately two lives every minute.
“As horrifying as it already sounds, the incidence of cancer is expected to double by the year 2040.
“The Sarawak government has therefore been pushing for the Sarawak Cancer Centre to be built soon, to better serve our Sarawakian people stricken with cancer,” he said.
Tiang also pointed out that it was time for such an event to be organised to raise funds for MAKNA and the patients they (MAKNA) support.
“Such an endeavour is highly commendable, and I would like everyone to join me in giving the organisers, cyclists, and support staff a huge round of applause for making Cycle for Cancer 2022 a resounding success,” he said.
Tiang also allocated fund totalling RM3000 to MAKNA and hoped to visit their office in the near future.
Also present were Malaysian Medical Association president elect Dr Muruga Raj, Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists (SCHOMOS) chairman Dr Vijay Ganasan, MAKNA volunteer executive Nurtasya Aqilah and Cycle for Cancer 2022 organising chairman Dr Timothy Cheng.
