Public, private support crucial in health services development, says Lee  

MIRI (Sept 23): Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Miri needs support from the public and private sectors to continue providing critical health services to those in need, said state Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said such unwavering support throughout the years has enabled MRC Miri to subsidise the dialysis treatment to those in need.

To date, 90 per cent of those needing dialysis have benefitted from the subsidised treatment at MRC Miri, he disclosed.

“For a private hospital or centre for dialysis, the cost of treatment can reach up to RM3,000 per month but at MRC Miri and its new centre at Permyjaya, it is kept at a minimum amount,” he said.

“This is made possible due to the community’s generosity and kind support,” he said in his speech when officiating the Dynasty Charity Run here yesterday.

Lee, also the Senadin assemblyman lauded Dynasty Hotel and its managing director Tony Pui for organising the charity run since 2004, and which has served as an avenue to raise funds for the needy and promote healthy living among the community.

“By participating in this run, you are not only contributing towards a good cause but also live a healthy lifestyle,” he told the participants.

On another development, Lee announced that Mirians would soon be enjoying free bus rides following Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s approval to allocate 14 buses for the city’s use.

“These buses, all the way from Sweden, have arrived in Miri. We hope that it will minimise traffic congestion in here, while at the same time promote our green city initiative,” he said.

Lee, together with federal deputy minister of Health Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting each donated RM10,000 for this year’s charity run.

Deputy minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development Datuk Rosey Yunus, Pujut assemblyman cum Miri mayor Adam Yii, and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau also chipped in RM10,000 each for the event’s charity purposes.

Pui, in representing Dynasty Hotel, thanked the various parties whose generosity had enabled them to organise the event for 20 consecutive years.