MIRI – The Palliative Care Association of Miri (PCAM) has celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of dedicated service to terminally ill patients in northern Sarawak. The milestone was commemorated with a Charity Gala Dinner on Saturday, attended by community leaders, volunteers, and supporters.
The event paid tribute to the contributions of volunteers, nurses, and the wider community, who have been instrumental in providing compassionate care since the association’s founding in 2005.
Representing Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin State Assemblyman (ADUN), Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, architect Jeffery Phang delivered a speech acknowledging PCAM’s achievements.
“Since its establishment in 2005, the association has grown from a small initiative at Miri Hospital to a dedicated organisation that now provides home-based palliative care to over 200 patients annually,” the message read.
Dato Sri Lee also commended the resilience of PCAM’s volunteers and staff, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the demand for palliative care services increased despite operational challenges.
Looking ahead, he expressed full support for PCAM’s plan to establish the first hospice centre in northern Sarawak, describing it as a crucial step in expanding service capacity and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
The proposed hospice centre is expected to provide a permanent facility for palliative care, complementing PCAM’s existing home-based services.
It will also serve as a hub for training, counselling, and community outreach, ensuring that patients receive holistic support.
Over the past 20 years, PCAM has grown into a vital community organisation, offering not only medical assistance but also emotional and social support for patients and their families.
Its services are provided free of charge, relying heavily on donations, fundraising events, and volunteer contributions.
The 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held at the Imperial Hotel Ballroom, featured performances, fundraising activities, and tributes to long-serving volunteers.
The event also aimed to raise awareness of palliative care and generate support for the upcoming hospice project.
PCAM’s journey reflects the broader importance of community-driven healthcare initiatives in Sarawak. By combining professional expertise with volunteerism, the association has become a model of compassionate care, ensuring that patients facing life-limiting illnesses are treated with dignity and respect.
As PCAM enters its third decade, its focus remains on expanding services, strengthening community partnerships, and realising the vision of a dedicated hospice centre for northern Sarawak.
