ALOR SETAR: The health and well-being of the community, especially those who are less privileged, are the main concerns of Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah (YSB). In its efforts to prioritize public health, YSB has implemented a range of health projects to ensure that those in need have access to help.
Its general manager Misbah Abdul Hamid said YSB actively engages in mobile health initiatives, such as its Mobile Health Screening Unit, Mobile Blood Donation Unit and Mobile Eye Examination Unit.
“The Mobile Health Screening Unit, a joint venture with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) since 2012, travels extensively across Kedah to provide free health screening services to approximately 14,500 people annually. YSB allocates RM150,000 yearly for this programme.
“The Mobile Blood Donation Unit was introduced in 1999. YSB has collected an average of 1,350 bags of blood annually, contributing significantly to hospitals in all of Kedah and Perlis.
“In 2017, YSB expanded its services with the introduction of the Mobile Eye Examination Unit. Costing RM545,000, this initiative focuses on detecting diseases such as cataracts, refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. More than 3,800 people have already benefited from this service.”
Misbah said the mobile units’ operations reflected YSB’s commitment to ensuring healthcare accessibility for everyone, especially in rural areas.
“Each unit, including the Blood Donation Unit, Eye Treatment Unit, and Health Screening Unit, is equipped with a dedicated team and specialized equipment, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness,” she said.
In addition to these, YSB conducts programs in collaboration with partners such as NKF, the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK), and the Emkay Foundation.
“One standout initiative is the establishment of a haemodialysis treatment center with a charitable concept in Kedah,” Misbah said.
Among the notable health programs run by YSB, the NKF Haemodialysis Centre-Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah in Kulim stands out.
“The center was established in 2011 near Kulim Hi-Tech Park. The centre, costing RM790,000, caters to 59 patients. YSB allocates funds annually to maintain a ‘sinking fund’ for the replacement of damaged or expired machines,” she said.
“Apart from the NKF Haemodialysis Centre, we have the Tunku Sarina Hemodialysis Center in Alor Setar, which was inaugurated by His Highness Tuanku Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah in 2009.
“It has been operating since 2006 through a partnership between YSB, Emkay Foundation and the Kedah state government, providing quality dialysis treatment services to 39 patients, including those with disabilities,” she said.
“YSB dedicates RM300,000 annually towards its mobile health initiatives, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to public health and well-being,” she said.
On education and youth development, Misbah said YSB has implemented impactful projects and programs over the years, leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Kedah.
“One such initiative, the Titian Bistari Project (PTB) has been a beacon of educational excellence since 1999. It is fully funded annually by YSB in collaboration with the Kedah Education Department (JPN).
“Evolving in 2019, the PTB Program transitioned from a free tuition initiative to a dynamic learning approach, utilizing special modules developed by teachers under the Titian Bistari STEM Academic Transfer Programme. This transformation has positively impacted 1,100 pupils across 22 rural primary schools in Kedah.
“Alongside it is the intervention program for Improving the Achievement of SPM Excellence Aspirations (Impak), which is a collaborative effort. Jointly organized by Yayasan Impak and YSB, Impak provides free SPM tuition to more than 7,000 students from 203 secondary schools.
She said the programme, started in November 2021, employs both online and face-to-face modes, covering subjects such as English, Malay, History, Mathematics, Science and Islamic Education.
YSB extends its reach beyond academic pursuits with its involvement in external joint ventures, including partnerships with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), E-Idaman Sdn Bhd, the National STEM Center and the state Education Department.
“These collaborations, supported by grants from community partners such as the Hasanah Foundation, aim to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices.
“The Titian Ehsan Project (PTE), a long-term YSB initiative targeting adolescents and youth aged 13-27, stands out as a multifaceted endeavour. With an annual budget of almost RM350,000, PTE encompasses youth development, career guidance, audit and research and a youth counseling and information unit (U-KIR).
“We conduct free tuition outside the city, focusing on primary school. “We provide tuitions on Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics and Science, and our aim is to help families from the lower economic class to reach their children’s full potential.”
“We also recognize the transformative power of STEM, by embracing the educational landscape. It is evident in our collaboration with corporate giant, Yayasan UEM. This partnership focuses on secondary school tuition, emphasizing English and Robotics, both integral components of the STEM education,” she said.
The education programs require an annual budget of RM300,000. “The budget helps us continue to offer free tuition, STEM workshops, and healthcare initiatives. Education for students and health for adults are intertwined,” Misbah said.
Through these initiatives, she said YSB is not just providing education; it is nurturing opportunities for the underprivileged, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community.
