TLJCF chief executive officer Mohd Ikmal Izam Zaini (in purple) with the doctors and nurses of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Oncology Day Treatment Unit at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital in Batu Pahat, Johor.
When he was diagnosed with liver cancer at the age of 24 in 2014, Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil underwent a liver transplant.
The late prince started visiting cancer patients at the oncology centre and cancer ward in Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor Baru, where he learnt that some of the patients were burdened with expensive medical expanses, putting a strain on their finances.
The late prince shared with his father, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, his desire to provide comfort and relief for other patients.
Sultan Ibrahim agreed with his son, and this led to the setting up of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (TLJCF) in 2015.
As of March this year, more than 100,000 cancer patients have benefited from TLJCF’s facilities in the last eight years.
The foundation has spent almost RM11.4mil to help 3,718 cancer patients who, apart from undergoing medical scanning and cancer treatment at hospitals around Johor, received assistance such as specialised milk and financial aid, including transportation.
Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, will continue to be involved in the management of the TLJCF.
Her Majesty believes that it is her responsibility to continue the legacy of Tunku Abdul Jalil to help cancer patients who are unable to afford their treatment.
The foundation will also continue its monthly home visit programme together with its Cancer Support Group involving 200 cancer patients and cancer survivors.
Another notable foundation run by the Johor royal family is the Sultanah Rogayah Foundation (YSR), whose focus is to cater to the needs and improve the lives of the Indian community.
The foundation remains dedicated to uplifting the community’s well-being, enhancing education, promoting entrepreneurship and fostering unity.
The YSR was established on March 23, 2015, in conjunction with Sultan Ibrahim’s installation as the Johor Ruler.
In 2023, YSR chairman Datuk R. Sugumaran said a total of RM79,645 had been donated to 13 beneficiaries so far.
Sugumaran said among the initiatives that the foundation has carried out over the years are free eye screenings, distributing food baskets and financial aid, providing schooling needs to students in Tamil schools, and working with NGOs to conduct educational programmes.
The foundation is also overseeing Hindu temples in Johor and matters involving the last rites of the Indian community.
