Equipment Donation to Malaysia’s Sibu Hospital Brings Improved Care to Fast Growing Region

(For Non-Muslim Use Only)

The Malaysian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bintulu Central, donated essential medical equipment and facility upgrades to Sibu Hospital in Sarawak, Malaysia. A handover ceremony was held on April 4, 2024 to commemorate the completion of the project. 

Sibu Hospital is a major regional hospital serving over 700,000 residents in central Sarawak. The hospital faced challenges in meeting the growing healthcare needs of the population with its aging equipment and infrastructure. More than 50% of the hospital's medical assets were beyond their recommended lifespan, posing risks to patients. Budget limitations prevented the state government from funding all the necessary upgrades. 

Church humanitarian missionaries Elder Sandy and Sister Ardella Hall responded to this need, working with the Rotary Club of Bintulu Central and the Ministry of Health to identify critical equipment and facility improvements and begin the procurement process that culminated with the handover ceremony.  

The donated items include an electrocardiogram scanner, refractometer, gastroscope, transport incubator, exhaust fans, ceiling fans, and a queue management system. The hospital also received 100 new chairs to provide adequate seating for waiting patients. In total, the project is estimated to benefit around 4,000 patients annually. 

"On behalf of Sibu Hospital and representing all my staff, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to both organizations for making this possible,” said Dr. Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu, director of the hospital. “This is mainly for our patients' comfort and better care, as well as for staff welfare. This will promote and encourage my team to work and serve better." 

Humanitarian missionaries Elder Brad and Sister Marsha Douglas represented The Malaysian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the handover ceremony. In his remarks, Elder Douglas stated, "We feel blessed to be able to help provide healthcare professionals, staff, and patients with up-to-date equipment and supplies here in the hospital. We hope this donation from our faithful Church members will make a difference and have an impact on quality healthcare for many years to come.”

The Church has a long history of collaborating with Rotary clubs and other non-governmental organizations in Malaysia on various humanitarian and welfare initiatives. Previous projects include medical equipment donations to hospitals in Lawas, Limbang, Miri, and Kota Belud. The ceremony celebrated the second round of equipment donations to Sibu Hospital following a prior successful equipment project in 2023. 

The Church's humanitarian efforts are inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, who taught His followers to care for the sick and those in need. As the Book of Mormon states, “impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief” (see Mosiah 4:26). 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has over 17 million members worldwide. The humanitarian effort of the Church, funded by the generous donations of its members, has provided aid in 191 countries worldwide. Built on principles of sustainability, community support and personal agency, Church humanitarian relief efforts work to offer individuals and communities the tools they need to improve their own circumstances in permanent and meaningful ways.