True grit to help those in need

Altruistic: Sujana (right) has been working hard to expand his network of Good Samaritans.

PETALING JAYA: Despite the challenges following the movement control order (MCO) that began in 2020 and lasted for nearly two years, Sujana Mohd Rejab remains unwavering in his commitment to helping the needy.

Fondly known as Pak Su, he initially focused on producing 3D-printed prosthetic arms for children with disabilities.

However, as the pandemic escalated, he responded to the urgent demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) among healthcare workers, who faced severe shortages during the crisis during the MCO.

“Due to the pandemic, I could not travel as I used to. But that did not stop me from continuing to help those in need,” the former teacher said in an interview.

Sujana rallied a team of teachers and school scouts, and together they produced PPE to support frontline workers in Taiping and across the nation.

“We assembled a team and produced PPE for our frontliners,” said Sujana, who was selected as one of the 10 recipients of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) in 2019.

He also won the Star-Gamuda Inspiration Award, which came with an extra RM50,000 grant.

Leveraging on the grant, Sujana managed to produce over 13,000 face shields for healthcare workers, each costing around RM3.

He said assistance from various parties also flooded in during the time, displaying the generosity and camaraderie of Malaysians in helping people in need, including those who came to provide raw materials for the face shields.

“Many people approached me wanting to help. For instance, I signed an agreement with Bank Islam’s charity arm, Sadaqa House, to produce prosthetic limbs.

“Although the project was halted due to the pandemic, we resumed once the situation improved,” he added.

A father of six, Sujana said his network expanded significantly, attracting numerous Good Samaritans, including an offer from a local public university to pursue further research on prosthetic limbs.

Together with one of his children, who shares his interest, Sujana undertook a research programme to enhance the user experience of prosthetic limbs.

“The main issues faced by people needing prosthetic limbs were the availability of suitable sizes and cost.

“Through our research with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia in Batu Pahat, Johor, my daughter and I worked to create affordable prosthetic legs tailored to individual needs,” he said, adding that their first prototype has reached its final stage and would soon be delivered to a user.

Sujana’s journey into 3D-printed prosthetic limbs began after he ventured into the computer business in Putrajaya in 2004.

Eight years later, he returned to his hometown in Perak, where he developed an interest in 3D printing and established MyVista, a company specialising in 3D printers.

He encourages other kind-hearted individuals to continue their charity efforts.

“To organisations and individuals out there, keep doing what you are doing for the benefit of the people and never quit.

“Eventually, support from various quarters will come,” he said.

Running for the 10th year since 2015, the SGHA is an annual award by The Star that celebrates everyday Malaysians who make a positive impact on society while promoting unity among the people.

This year, the accolades will be presented to 10 winners, with each receiving a cash award of RM15,000 on top of exclusive media publicity across Star Media Group’s various platforms to amplify their selfless efforts.

For more details, visit www.sgha.com.my.