22/08/2025

FRIDAY | AUG 22, 2025

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Dialysis centre gets boost in support and donation

Land Below the Wind tipped as gateway to space PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is weighing Sabah as the site of its first rocket launch facility, with the government saying the project could strengthen national security, boost scientific exploration and place the country firmly on the global space map. The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry said it is still awaiting the full feasibility study report from the Sabah government before deciding on the viability of the project. In a written reply to Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee, the ministry said the Malaysian Space Agency had introduced the guidelines for feasibility studies on the development of launch facilities in Malaysia on Nov 2, 2023. From a geological perspective, Sabah is regarded as relatively stable and suitable for major infrastructure projects. Its location near the equator also provides natural propulsion advantages, which could significantly cut rocket fuel costs. The ministry added that the sparsely populated areas with direct access to the open sea make Sabah an attractive candidate, as they reduce safety risks for local communities while minimising disruptions to domestic air traffic. – By KIRTINEE RAMESH First prosecution case of bullying as criminal offence KUALA LUMPUR: The case involving Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir is the first to be prosecuted under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025, which stipulates bullying as a criminal offence. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said since the amendment to Section 507 of the Penal Code was enforced and gazetted on July 11, police had opened 11 investigation papers related to bullying. “The investigation papers fall under Sections 507B, 507C and so on. This shows that the strengthening of the law has enabled the police to take action. “In the case of Zara, for example, in which the accused were charged, it is under one of the amended sections, making this the first case we have prosecuted (since the amendment),” he said when winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan for the Home Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday. – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

centre three times, not only for Buddhists but for people of all faiths and backgrounds. “We hope our contribution inspires others to help build a healthier and more caring society,” he said. The centre’s treasurer, Yap Yoong Kim recalled how far the organisation has come since its founding in 2003. “Back then, we had very little funds and relied heavily on donations. Today, with continued support from BCorp and others, we are able to serve many more patients in need.” Dialysis assistant Fatimah Mary Sunderajah, 58, who has worked at the centre since its establishment 22 years ago, expressed gratitude for the additional machines. “I’ve seen patients as young as 18 come here for treatment. It breaks my heart to hear their stories, but having more machines makes a big difference. We are truly grateful for this support.” Patients themselves echoed the impact. Wong Wah Lee, 61, who has been on dialysis for seven years, said the routine remains difficult but necessary. “I come three times a week, four hours each session. It is not easy, but this centre makes it affordable for me.” Another patient, Thulandhas, 68, who has been receiving treatment for nearly two years, said dialysis is his only option due to age-related transplant risks. “I was told transplant is no longer possible, so dialysis is the only way. The fees here are much cheaper and I come every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.” The Ampang Kau Ong Yah Haemodialysis Centre, one of Selangor’s largest non-profit dialysis providers, was set up in 2003 with a mission to provide subsidised treatment for Malaysians with kidney failure. As a corporate citizen, BCorp said its efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. The 80-page document defines different types of bullying – physical, verbal, psychological and cyber – and spells out the rights and responsibilities of staff. It also details reporting channels via MyHELP and other mechanisms such as the public complaints management system or SISPAA, email and formal letters, complete with timelines for resolution. The document has flowcharts that map out investigation steps, counselling pathways, data tracking and intervention measures such as awareness campaigns and anti-bullying training.

o Contribution of five machines and RM100,000 by Berjaya Corp latest push to affordable life-saving treatment at public facility in Ampang

KUALA Berjaya Corporation Bhd (BCorp) has deepened its role in community healthcare, donating five haemodialysis machines and cash aid that push its total support for the Ampang Kau Ong Yah Haemodialysis Centre to nearly RM500,000. The latest support, valued at RM215,000 for the machines and an additional RM100,000 for rooftop replacement, was handed over at a ceremony attended by BCorp founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Ampang Kau Ong Yah Foundation president Wong Kin Tack. Since 2019, BCorp has donated LUMPUR:

session, heavily subsidised by the foundation, allowing nearly 460 patients over the years to access life-saving treatment that would otherwise be out of reach. Tan said the initiative reflects BCorp’s values of compassion and inclusivity. “Giving back to the community has always been at the heart of what we do. Since 2019, we have supported the haemodialysis

nine haemodialysis machines worth RM381,000 to the centre, alongside RM100,000 in cash aid, bringing its total contributions to RM481,000. The sustained backing has enabled the centre to expand from 10 machines serving just 18 patients in its early years to 20 machines treating 73 patients today. Fees remain at RM110 per

(From left) Tan presenting a mock cheque to foundation president Wong and vice-president Lim Thang Soon. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Health Ministry leads with first workplace guidelines

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

protection. Disciplinary action will be taken in proven cases, Dzulkefly said, but corrective reminders and a culture of accountability remain vital. The initiative is part of a broader push to improve workplace well being, alongside measures such as flexible working hours, peer counsellor groups, the mental health crisis helpline (HEAL 15555) and mental health support guidelines for house officers. “How we treat colleagues will shape how we treat patients. There is no tolerance for bullying in this ministry. Full stop.”

“We cannot allow normalisation of bullying or under-reporting of cases. Every complaint must be dealt with swiftly and thoroughly.” Developed by the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH), the guidelines outline procedures for identifying, reporting and investigating bullying. They are backed by the MyHELP complaint system, launched in 2022, which allows staff to lodge reports directly with the integrity unit. As of July 31, 430 complaints had been received through MyHELP, all under investigation with assurances of confidentiality and whistleblower

Bullying is not a trivial matter he said, but a systemic problem that can erode integrity, weaken morale and ultimately compromise patient care. “Under my leadership and that of my deputies, the ministry has zero tolerance for bullying. “This document will be an important reference to ensure a workplace that is fair, safe and healthy. It must not remain a document alone, but a way of life for all of us.” He added that senior management and department heads bore the responsibility of leading by example and creating an environment built on empathy, fairness and respect.

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has rolled out its first-ever Workplace Bullying Management Guidelines, making it the pioneer among government ministries to establish formal procedures for tackling bullying within its ranks. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who launched the initiative yesterday, said it marked a clear statement of the ministry’s “zero tolerance” towards bullying and its commitment to building a fairer, healthier workplace culture.