Encouraging support and donations for UTAR hospital

KLUANG: Over RM400,000 were collected from close to 30 associations and clubs here in support of the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Hospital.

This includes RM138,000 from 27 Chinese associations in Kluang as well as another RM186,000 from the Kluang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). The remaining RM114,500 was collected through a golf tournament organised by the Kluang Tiger Club as well as a charity dinner.

UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik said it was encouraging to see people from all walks of life coming together to contribute to the university hospital in Kampar, Perak.

“People from all levels of society – the rich, the middle class, the working people – have all contributed to the building of this hospital.

“I think it is very encouraging. I must say a million thanks to all of them for giving us the will to do this,” he said after receiving mock cheques from the associations at the Kluang Tiong Hua Association building here yesterday.

UTAR president Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat said it was touching to see the strong support coming from the Kluang community.

“The strong support of the people has been a significant source of motivation for us.

“We will continue to make sure that this project is successful and that it can provide affordable and quality medical services to the people as well as provide good training to our medical and health sciences students,” he said.

Prof Ewe added that the university would continue its efforts to raise funds for the RM330mil hospital.

“The hospital costs an overall RM330mil – still a long way to go, but every month, we continue receiving financial support and donations from many groups.

“Even during the difficult Covid-19 time in the last two years, we continued to receive financial support from companies, the public and others,” he said.

He added that the traditional Chinese medicine section of the hospital was expected to be in operation after Chinese New Year, while the conventional medicine section would start next year.

Kluang Tiong Hua Association president Datuk Jimmy Low Boon Hong said the donation showed that the people of Kluang were very conscious of the importance of education.

“The association did not hesitate to give its support for the teaching hospital as they (the people) know the importance of education.

“In a very short time of only three days, we were able to collect such a huge amount. This shows the commitment of the people here,” he added.