KLANG: Over the past 10 years, Malaysia has seen a 100% increase in the number of new dialysis patients that suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), with an estimated 7,000 new patients each year requiring regular dialysis. In its latest effort to assist the needy, Eco World Foundation was quick to respond to a call by St John Ambulans – Kawasan Pantai Selangor (SJAM-KPS), a non-profit organisation in Selangor to help with the replacement of two dialysis machines which have worn out over the years.

An average lifespan for a dialysis machines runs from 7 to 8 years. The cost of the two new dialysis machines was approximately RM85,000.

SJAM-KPS is one of the biggest non-profit providers in Malaysia providing affordable services to needy Malaysians who are stricken with end stage renal failure. SJAM-KPS is equipped with over 200 machines and has extended care to over 550 patients at its 14 centres nationwide.

At the handing over ceremony at St John Ambulans Malaysia – Kawasan Pantai Selangor HQ, Eco World Foundation Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the Foundation was delighted to be able to help the centre out by replacing two machines. “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to contribute towards a noble cause which we hope will help towards reducing the financial burden of kidney failure patients,” said Lee.

Lee also added that today’s donation was in line with one of the Foundation’s aim of easing the sufferings of ill stricken members of the society. “We are committed to use our resources productively to create healthy and happy citizens and we will continue to do so as long as we can,” said Lee.

Apart from championing Education through the Foundation’s main programme – Eco World Students Aid Programme (SAP), which provides financial assistance to underprivileged primary and secondary students with the objective of keeping children of all races in school, the Foundation also contributes to needy Malaysians by providing financial donations and aid to the less fortunate communities towards the betterment of their health and living conditions.

At the end of 2016, the number of kidney patients needing dialysis has risen to almost 40,000. Currently, there are approximately 20,000 people on the kidney transplant waiting list. Lee expressed his concerns at this alarming rate and advised Malaysians to adopt a good and healthy lifestyle and conduct regular medical check-ups for early detection of the disease.

“This is not the first time we have donated dialysis machines to NGO centres and it will not be the last. Up to now, the Foundation has spent a total of RM220,000 on dialysis machines. I would also like to urge more corporations or individuals to reach out and bring hope to unfortunate victims of kidney disease,” said Lee.

Also present at the handing over ceremony was Eco World Foundation CEO Captain (Retired) Dato Liew Siong Sing, St John Ambulans Malaysia Former Commander-in-chief Dato Dr Low Bin Tick and St John Ambulans Malaysia Kawasan Pantai Selangor Foundation COO Dato Burnard Yeo Kim Thong.