Key Highlights
- RM8 Million Commitment by Ministry of Health (MOH)
- Sarawak Leads as Malaysia’s First State HIV Partner
- Corporate Malaysia Strengthens HIV Response
- Launch of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Impact Report 2025
- Over RM2.2 Million Raised for Community Programmes
SUNWAY CITY KUALA LUMPUR, 13 November 2025 — The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) hosted its annual Red Ribbon Gala 2025 tonight at Sunway Resort Hotel in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, gathering government leaders, corporate partners, international agencies, and civil society under one roof to reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Gracing the occasion as Guest of Honour, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia, underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to sustaining the national HIV response through strategic partnerships and inclusive policies.
“No ministry, foundation, or company can tackle HIV alone — Malaysia’s progress has always relied on strong partnerships between government, civil society, communities, and the private sector. To strengthen this shared effort, the Government is enhancing its investment in HIV prevention through the DHSKP modality. Beginning in 2025, the allocation for the Dana HIV & AIDS Sektor Kesihatan dan Perubatan (DHSKP) will increase to RM8 million, reaffirming our commitment to community-based prevention and care.” Remarked YB Datuk Seri.
The Minister also praised the Sarawak State Government, under the leadership of The Right Honourable Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg, for becoming the first state to formally partner in HIV intervention efforts through initiatives such as Teratak Kasih Tok Nan and SHAPE (Sarawak Health Access Programme).
In support of these efforts, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Hajah Jamilah Anu — a long-standing advocate for community wellbeing and the widow of the late Allahyarham Tok Nan — expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the collaboration. She said:
“Sarawak’s progress is built on strong partnerships. I am grateful to see the State Government, the Ministry of Health, the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, and our partners from the private sector and Sunway Group working hand in hand to strengthen our HIV response. When we unite with sincerity and shared purpose, meaningful change becomes possible.”
This reflection underscores Sarawak’s enduring legacy of compassion, inclusion, and community-centred public health — values carried forward from Tok Nan’s leadership and strengthened under the current administration.
The Health Minister also took a special moment to acknowledge Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO and the Sunway Group for their visionary leadership and contribution of RM5 million over five years, benefiting underserved communities in Borneo, Sabah, and Sarawak.
In response, Cheah reaffirmed Sunway’s commitment to Malaysia’s HIV response, emphasising the vital role of responsible corporate leadership in advancing public health.
“At Sunway, we firmly believe that no corporation can stand apart from the communities it serves, which is why most of our corporate social responsibility efforts are focused on helping the marginalised and often the forgotten sectors of society. Our partnership with the Malaysian AIDS Foundation reflects our conviction that access to healthcare is a basic right and that corporate Malaysia must play its part. If our country is to live up to its claims of being a caring, inclusive and sustainable society, we must do all we to move Malaysia closer to an AIDS-free generation.”
Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chairman of MAF, commended the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health, State Governments, and corporate Malaysia in sustaining the country’s progress despite global funding challenges.
“The global funding climate has become increasingly challenging, yet Malaysia’s response remains resilient thanks to strong local partnerships,” said Prof. Adeeba. “Our alliances with Sunway, Yayasan Sime Darby, PETRONAS, PERKESO, Karex, and many others continue to drive innovation and compassion in the national AIDS response.”
Dato’ Adeeba also launched the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Impact Report 2025, a five-year reflection capturing stories of resilience and progress through community-led programmes across the nation.
Representing the private sector, Mr. Goh Miah Kiat, CEO of Karex Berhad and Trustee of MAF, reaffirmed Karex’s long-term partnership with MAF, highlighting the company’s belief in the power of public-private collaboration and creative health communication.
“Economic success means little if we leave people behind,” said Mr. Goh. “At Karex, we view healthcare access as a basic human right. Beyond manufacturing, our mission is to empower — to make protection, testing, and prevention accessible and stigma-free.”
In 2025, Karex contributed 700,000 condoms and 700,000 lubricants to Malaysia’s national HIV prevention efforts under the DHSKP programme, supporting outreach workers who deliver care to key populations across the country.
This year’s Gala successfully raised over RM2.2 million, which will directly support MAF’s community-based treatment, care, and prevention programmes nationwide.
The evening also celebrated the power of collective action — honouring the enduring partnerships that have shaped Malaysia’s HIV response, including international allies such as The Global Fund, UNAIDS, and WHO.
“Tonight is more than a celebration of generosity — it is a reaffirmation of solidarity,” concluded Prof. Adeeba. “Together, we are building a Malaysia where compassion, equality, and health go hand in hand — ensuring no one is left behind.”
END
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT
Communications Department, Malaysian AIDS Foundation
Noor Zahra Zamalik | media@maf.org.my | 010-2925162
Azahemy Abdullah| media@maf.org.my | 016 646 5874
