UNIMAS Hosts KPT Prihatin Madani Siri 23 to Strengthen Community Engagement and Education

BAU: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) recently organised the KPT Prihatin Madani Siri 23, a community service programme under the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), aimed at fostering community engagement and enhancing health awareness among rural communities.

The event, held at Kampung Tringgus Bau, brought together more than 50 volunteers from the university, including new and seasoned staff from UNIMAS Teaching Hospital & Medical Centre and various other departments and centres. The event also saw collaboration between the university and The Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT), an independent pan-Asian think tank.

The KPT Prihatin Madani Siri 23 programme took place last Sunday as part of a broader effort by MoHE to improve the well-being of rural communities through education and health services.

Among the activities conducted were health education sessions for children, where volunteers discussed various health topics, focusing on preventive care and hygiene practices.

“Free health screenings were offered, covering vital checks such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, cancer markers, glucose levels, and BMI assessments, as well as doctor consultations and medication. These screenings aimed to identify potential health issues early and guide the community towards appropriate medical care. Prescription glasses were also distributed for free to those in need. CPR lessons were provided free of charge to those interested,” said Matron Norlia Binti Abdullah Abdul Rahman from UNIMAS Teaching Hospital & Medical Centre.

She added that children received hygiene kits, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, and other essentials. Wheelchairs and walking aids were also distributed to those in need.

To further support the local community, volunteers distributed food baskets containing essential items to families in need, especially those in the B40 category. This gesture was warmly received by the residents of Kampung Tringgus Bau.

The programme was met with enthusiasm from the local community. Although the expected attendance was fewer than 100 people, approximately 150 villagers attended the event for health screenings.

Many residents expressed their gratitude for the health services and practical health advice provided. The distribution of food baskets was particularly appreciated, as it addressed immediate needs and fostered a sense of care and solidarity.

Andrew anak Nok (57) and his mother, Jaso anak Jaa (76), expressed their gratitude for the free prescription glasses and health screenings. “We are truly grateful for them coming over. We are grateful for the glasses as well,” they said.

“We appreciate the volunteers from UNIMAS who took the time to visit our village and educate us about important health issues. The free health screenings and food baskets were a great help to many families here,” said Midea Anak Sitat, Village Headman of Kampung Tringgus Bong.

Dr Dessmon Weydon Ajong, Mission Director for this series, mentioned, “Our goal is to raise awareness about health and provide support to rural communities. Seeing the positive response from the residents of Kampung Tringgus Bau is truly rewarding.”

He added that he hopes similar programmes will be conducted outside Sarawak in the future, reaching out to rural areas and collaborating with NGOs and institutes.

Associate Professor Dr Ehfa binti Bujang Safawi, Director of UNIMAS Unimas Teaching Hospital & Medical Centre, was also present to hand out appreciation gifts to the village headmen and volunteers from GIFT, as well as prizes for children’s competitions and food baskets for the needy.

The KPT Prihatin Madani Siri 23 programme by UNIMAS exemplifies the university’s commitment to community service and the Ministry of Higher Education’s vision of a caring and informed society. Through initiatives like these, the gap between urban and rural healthcare can be bridged, ensuring a healthier future for all.