By MOHD IZHAM BIN HASHIM
KOTA KINABALU: Five young Sabahan heart patients, four under two years old, have successfully undergone heart surgeries this year, yet many more urgently need treatment amid growing demand for paediatric cardiac care, said Society for the Sabah Heart Fund (SOSHF) president Datuk Eva Susau.
“This year, the need for corrective heart surgeries has outpaced our funds. By August 2026, the Society had already used its entire budget to sponsor treatment for young patients,” she said, highlighting that the need continues to grow.
Congenital heart disease affects about one in every 100 babies born. For families in Sabah, accessing specialist treatment can also mean travelling far from home, with transportation, accommodation and medical expenses adding to the financial burden.
“Many of these children need urgent treatment their families simply cannot afford,” the Society said in a statement.
The five patients sponsored by SOSHF between January and September received treatment at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) and University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). They came from Inanam, Semporna, Kinarut and Keningau, and all have returned home to recover with their families.
Established in 1982, SOSHF provides financial assistance for heart patients in Sabah who require specialist care, particularly children born with heart defects.
With its treatment budget exhausted, the Society is turning to public donations and corporate support to help fund care for children referred to it in the coming months.
To raise funds, SOSHF will hold its 45th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner on Sunday, April 11, 2027, at Sipadan Hall III, Level 4, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Musa Aman is expected to grace the event as guest of honour.
The evening will feature performances by local entertainers, including former SOSHF patients who will sing and play the piano.
“For 45 years, the Society, together with our generous donors, has stood behind children born with heart disease. This year the need has grown faster than our funds, and our 2026 budget is already spent,” Eva said.
“Every ticket, every table and every ringgit donated gives a child the chance to grow up healthy. We invite everyone to join us and be a Heart Hero.”
Individual dinner seats are priced at RM250, while table sponsorship packages are available at RM2,500, RM3,000, RM5,000, RM7,000 and RM8,000.
The public and corporate organisations may also contribute directly to the Society for the Sabah Heart Fund (Persatuan Tabung Pesakit Jantung Sabah) through its Maybank account, 5101 4311 2262.
The dinner will run from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, with the dress code being Baju Kurung or smart casual for ladies, and Batik or smart casual for gentlemen.
For tickets, table sponsorships or donations, contact Dicksonal at 019-880 1270 or email sosheart.sabah@gmail.com.
Eva (fifth from right), with committee members at the Society’s 6th Exco meeting, marking its 45th anniversary.
