KUCHING — The Sarawak Government has approved a special allocation of RM2.25 million over three years to support and expand the operations of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan (TKTN), a key initiative in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the state.
The funding will facilitate the extension of TKTN’s outreach from Kuching and Miri to Bintulu, an area witnessing a troubling rise in new HIV cases.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the move is a strategic response to address the growing concern.
“I am pleased to announce a special allocation from the Government of Sarawak for a period of three years. The RM2.25 million will support the operational and expansion needs of TKTN, reaching more people from Kuching to Miri, and soon to Bintulu,” said the Premier.
He stressed the importance of expanding access to care and support for those affected by HIV, noting that the emotional and societal burdens often outweigh the medical ones.
“Despite remarkable advances in HIV treatment, many still suffer in silence—not due to the virus itself, but because of the fear, shame and discrimination surrounding it. This is a burden no one should bear alone, and it is our collective responsibility to help lighten it,” he added.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the Malaysia AIDS Foundation (MAF) Kuching 2025 event on Saturday.
Also present were MAF Borneo Patron Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Puan Sri Jamilah Anu, MAF Trustee Associate Professor Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa, and MAF Executive Director and Malaysian AIDS Council representative Jasmin Jalil.
The TKTN programme, named in honour of the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, continues to play a pivotal role in addressing the HIV/AIDS challenge in Sarawak by offering compassionate care and support to affected communities.
