KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 — The number of HIV/AIDS infections in Malaysia has significantly reduced over the past two decades thanks to numerous initiatives.

The country is now aiming to achieve the target of zero HIV/AIDS nation by the year 2030.

Such an ambitious target, however, cannot be achieved by one party alone.

To lend a helping hand, Sunway Group entered a long-term collaboration with the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) last year as the new official sustainability partner to join efforts in eradicating HIV/AIDS in Malaysia.

According to the group’s brand marketing and communications senior general manager Nik Tasha Nik Kamaruddin, corporate social responsibility has been an essential part of Sunway’s DNA.

"This is reflected through our flagship #SunwayForGood initiatives that pledge to promote sustainability and social responsibility efforts through three key pillars of education, healthcare and community enrichment.”

Speaking about their "leaving no one behind” objective, Nik Tasha said the motto refers to their efforts to aid, as much as possible, the marginalised and forgotten segments of society, which include people living with HIV (PLHIV).

"Our commitment to leaving no one behind is the fundamental reason Sunway fully embraced the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which was adopted in 2015.”

Sunway Group recently hosted the Sunway-MAF Red Ribbon Gala and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award 2022 in October which raised a record RM2.55 million fund for HIV/AIDS initiatives.

Nik Tasha said the long-term relationship with MAF was intended to broaden Sunway Group’s scope and advocacy to help the marginalised community.

"This includes bringing dignity into the lives of as many PLHIV as possible, who for a long time, had been pushed to the margins of society due to stigma and discrimination.

"Our work with MAF involves positively impacting as much of the communities affected by the epidemic, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and improving access to antiretroviral treatment for the B40 communities in places where resources are limited.”

Sunway Group has also committed RM1 million annually for five years to cover the running cost of three flagship programmes under the MAF-Sunway HOPE Borneo Project which stands for a health outreach programme for everyone.

"These programmes in the Borneo states serve to help as many members of the B40 communities as possible gain access to life-saving HIV medication, prevention and care services.

"It entails a travel subsidy programme for B40 chronic disease patients, to help cover their transportation cost to hospitals.”

Thanks to the programme, Nik Tasha said 450 low-income chronic disease patients in Sabah and Sarawak received travel subsidies for treatment in local hospitals and clinics.

Last year, Sunway Group began a long-term collaboration with MAF as the new official sustainability partner.

The tie-up has resulted in the establishment of the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan hallway home in Kuching and the health outreach programme in Sabah.