KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has committed a special three-year allocation totalling RM2.25 million to Teratak Kasih Tok Nan (TKTN), as part of its ongoing efforts to address HIV and AIDS issues across the state.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the allocation is aimed at supporting TKTN’s expansion to Bintulu, in response to the worrying rise in new HIV cases in the region, which requires urgent and serious attention.

“I am pleased to announce a special allocation from the Sarawak Government for a period of three years.

“A total of RM2.25 million will be channelled to support TKTN’s operations and its expansion—extending services from Kuching to Miri, and soon, to Bintulu,” he said.

His remarks were delivered through a speech read by Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, at the 2025 Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Kuching Gala held on Saturday.

The Premier highlighted that the expansion from Kuching to Miri, and subsequently to Bintulu, will enable more individuals affected by HIV and AIDS to receive much-needed care, support, and compassion through the services provided by TKTN.

“While there have been extraordinary advances in HIV treatment, too many still suffer in silence.

“Not because of the virus itself, but because of fear, shame, and the stigma that still surrounds it.
“This is a burden no one should have to bear—and it is a burden that we all share the responsibility of helping to ease,” he said.

Also present at the event were MAF Borneo Patron, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Puan Sri Jamilah Anu, MAF Trustee Associate Professor Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa and MAF and Malaysian AIDS Council Executive Director, Jasmin Jalil. -UKASnews