By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu (PCAKK) needs RM40,000 a month to sustain its free home palliative care service.
Its president Dato’ Dr Jaswant Singh said the association runs with four nurses, two executives and a driver, serving patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
It has provided free care for 28 years.
“Every day can bring physical, emotional and spiritual challenges. Our work is to maintain quality of life while supporting families,” he said at PCAKK’s 27th Annual Charity Dinner and Concert 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said demand for palliative care would grow as the population ages and non-communicable diseases increase.
“Palliative care is not a peripheral service. It is a vital component of a compassionate and comprehensive healthcare system.
“It improves quality of life and reduces unnecessary hospital admissions,” he said.
He commended PCAKK’s home care and its “Wishes Come True” programme, which has granted wishes ranging from train rides and wedding ceremonies to being a chef or Unduk Ngadau for a day.
Dr Joachim urged continued support, saying: “Even when a cure may no longer be possible, care, comfort, dignity and compassion must remain.”
Patron Meng Tan said PCAKK needs stronger backing from the government, corporate sector and community to continue its work.
“All care is at no cost to patients and families. We cannot do this alone,” she said.
She said support could come in the form of funding, professional expertise or in-kind contributions.
At the dinner, Head of State Tun Musa Aman donated his personal watch for auction, raising RM80,000 for PCAKK.
Datuk Yeo Hock Ching of Golden Fame Plantation donated a vehicle to replace the association’s 20-year-old van.
The highlight of the charity dinner was the Australian Bruno Mars Tribute Concert.
The 11-piece Melbourne-based band, led by Brian Rault, performed Mars’ hits including “Uptown Funk”, “24K Magic” and “Treasure”.
Brian (centre), and bandmates perform Bruno Mars’ hits.
