HIGHLIGHTS

• Award for Community Efforts: KOMITED Malaysia received the Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award for empowering vulnerable communities and addressing HIV and substance abuse.

• Successful Fundraising: The Gala raised RM 2.8 million, with major contributions from Sunway Group, Yayasan Petronas, and KAREX.

• Increased Government Support: The Health Minister announced an additional RM1 million for the DHSKP programme, raising the allocation to RM8 million from 2025 onward.

• Corporate Collaboration: Corporate contributions are now the second-largest funding source for MAF, highlighting the importance of partnerships in combating HIV/AIDS.

• Holistic Advocacy: The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development emphasized on reducing stigma and socio-economic challenges, with initiatives like MyLady Assistance Scheme and potential support for AIDS Shelter Homes.

KUALA LUMPUR, 30th November 2024 – The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) hosted its flagship Red Ribbon Gala, focusing on unity and collaboration in the fight to end AIDS. This year’s event was held in partnership with Sunway Group as part of their 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations and in conjunction with World AIDS Day.

The prestigious black-tie affair was co-hosted by Professor Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chairman of MAF, and Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group and Co-Chair of MAF Sustainability Committee. Among the distinguished guests of honour were YB Datuk Seri Haji Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health, and YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award to KOMITED Malaysia, a community-based organisation led by former drug users. The award recognised KOMITED Malaysia’s exceptional efforts in addressing substance abuse, preventing HIV, and supporting vulnerable communities. The organisation’s social integration programme, which provides job training and skill-building in shelter homes, has empowered many individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity. The award, administered by MAF Trustee Munir Abdul Aziz and a distinguished panel of jurors, included a cash prize of RM20,000, a specially commissioned trophy, and a Certificate of Excellence.

The Red Ribbon Gala underscored the crucial role of partnerships in combating HIV/AIDS. Professor Dato’ Dr. Adeeba commended the corporate sector’s growing involvement, noting:

Highlighting the economic value of HIV/AIDS programmes, she cited a DM Analytics study that found every RM1 invested in HIV/AIDS initiatives yields RM14 in productivity gains.

“The corporate sector has become an essential partner in the national AIDS response. Corporate contributions now represent the second-largest source of funding for MAF and MAC after the Ministry of Health. These partnerships bridge critical gaps, ensuring resources reach the communities and individuals who need them most.”

Highlighting the economic value of HIV/AIDS programmes, she cited a DM Analytics study

Highlighting the economic value of HIV/AIDS programmes, she cited a DM Analytics study
that found every RM1 invested in HIV/AIDS initiatives yields RM14 in productivity gains.

The Gala raised an impressive RM 2.8 million through sponsorships and table sales, with major contributions from Sunway Group, Yayasan Petronas, KAREX, and others.

Health Minister YB Datuk Seri Haji Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaboration in tackling AIDS, describing it as a shared responsibility among government, civil society, and other stakeholders.

“The cornerstone of our success has been partnerships. The AIDS response has never been and should never be a top-down approach. It has always been a shared responsibility among the government, civil society, and other stakeholders,” he stated.

In demonstrating a renewed commitment to partnership with the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly also announced an increase in the Ministry of Health’s funding allocation.

‘’I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Health is committed to increasing its funding allocation by an additional RM1 million starting in 2025. This enhancement will raise the annual allocation for the DHSKP fund to RM8 million.”

The grant will be used to expand the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) programme which aims to reduce new infections and improve the quality of life for those affected through prevention, screening, and linkages to care services offered by the Ministry’s primary care facilities across the country.

YB Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri highlighted the need for a holistic approach to addressing HIV/AIDS.

“Addressing the epidemic requires a holistic approach that not only provides medical solutions but also tackles stigma, discrimination, and the socio-economic challenges faced by those affected. Issues such as women’s rights, economic equity, and child welfare are deeply intertwined with the fight against HIV/AIDS, demanding collective efforts that prioritise systemic change and individual well-being,” she said.

She reaffirmed her Ministry’s support for initiatives like the MyLady Assistance Scheme, a microcredit programme for single mothers living with HIV, and the potential revival of support for AIDS Shelter Homes programme by the Malaysian AIDS Council.

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah shared the inspiration behind Sunway’s partnership with the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF):

“ On the business front, much of our success at Sunway is based on our unique Build- Own-Operate model, making us a full-fledged partner of the communities we serve. Indeed, as master community builders, we firmly believe that no corporation can stand apart from the communities it serves.”

“That is why most of our CSR projects are focused on helping the marginalised and often the forgotten sectors of society. In this context, people living with HIV are among the most vulnerable, due to the stigma that accompanies the threat to their lives posed by the virus. If our country is to live up to its claims of being a caring society, we must help our fellow Malaysians to lead a life of dignity and hope.” He added

“That is why most of our CSR projects are focused on helping the marginalised and often
the forgotten sectors of society. In this context, people living with HIV are among the most
vulnerable, due to the stigma that accompanies the threat to their lives posed by the virus.
If our country is to live up to its claims of being a caring society, we must help our fellow
Malaysians to lead a life of dignity and hope.” He added.

In celebration of Sunway’s Golden Jubilee, the event featured the Sunway Legacy Feast, a sustainably curated menu blending tradition with modernity.

Guests were treated to a stellar musical performance directed by composer Aubrey
Suwito, featuring Dato’ Zainal Abidin, Dayang Nurfaizah, Dato’ Francissca Peter, Amir
Masdi, and Bob Yusof. Adding a deeply personal and memorable touch to the evening, the
Wayfarer Trio, comprising Datin Seri Azlin Hezri (wife of the Health Minister), their
daughter Iman, and singer-son Muadz, delivered a heartfelt performance. Their
rendition was auctioned to the highest bidders, infusing the event with a sense of
excitement and profound meaning.

Guests were treated to a stellar musical performance directed by composer Aubrey Suwito, featuring Dato’ Zainal Abidin, Dayang Nurfaizah, Dato’ Francissca Peter, Amir Masdi, and Bob Yusof. Adding a deeply personal and memorable touch to the evening, the Wayfarer Trio, comprising Datin Seri Azlin Hezri (wife of the Health Minister), their daughter Iman, and singer-son Muadz, delivered a heartfelt performance. Their rendition was auctioned to the highest bidders, infusing the event with a sense of excitement and profound meaning.

[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

ABOUT THE MALAYSIAN AIDS FOUNDATION

Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) was formed in 1993 and fully incorporated in 2003 under the Trustees Incorporation Act (1952) to carry out the following objectives: Prevent the spread of HIV in Malaysia; Provide education on matters about HIV/AIDS to the family and friends of people living with HIV, the general public and the authorities at the national and local level in Malaysia; Render support to People Living with HIV; Protect the human rights of people in Malaysia who may suffer discrimination due to their HIV status; and Provide financial assistance or such other form of support to bodies, organisations and institutions, including the Malaysian AIDS Council, in carrying out the activities and services described above.

Learn more at maf.org.my