Funds for cochlear implant surgeries for two Miri children still short, says deputy minister

MIRI (April 7): A fundraising campaign for cochlear implant surgeries for two hearing-impaired children, which began two weeks ago, is still RM74,420.49 short of its RM200,000 target as of Monday.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said donations for the two children — three-year-old Andy Harrison and four-year-old Flora Lee Kai Shuan — had reached RM125,579.51 as of Monday morning.

“We have already surpassed half of our target, and I believe we can achieve it within the next week,” he told reporters on Monday.

Ting disclosed that as of 11am, RM104,279.51 had been collected in the association’s bank account.

With additional contributions amounting to RM21,300 received later on Monday, the total rose to RM125,579.51.

Ting, who is also chairman of the Miri Cochlear Implant Association, said among the contributions received on Monday was RM14,000 raised collectively by 29 associations and dance groups.

Devotees and supporters of Persatuan Penganut Dewa Some Shak Lung Kong in Miri also contributed RM6,300, he added.

“An individual donor known as Madam Voon, also donated RM1,000,” said Ting.

He thanked the public for their generosity, saying the contributions reflected the community’s compassion for those in need.

Ting also noted that arrangements were being made with doctors to schedule the surgeries, especially for Flora, who will turn five soon.

Those wishing to contribute may channel their donations to Alliance Bank account 110270010015028 under Sehati Service & Information Centre.