Reminiscing memories of its launch 20 years ago, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of the Prime Minister, said, “I am very proud of the ongoing commitment by RMHC Malaysia and HCTM-UKM in their efforts to keep families close when their children are undergoing treatment. 20 years is indeed a long time, and I am deeply touched by the support of various parties who ensure that the facilities here are well maintained in order to aid the children who are in critical condition, as well as their families.”
The initial construction of RMH in HCTM-UKM had amounted to RM2 million that was made up from donations by the public and corporations. Since then, the home has undergone renovation and repair works in 2004 and 2014. All these were made possible from contributions received from Malaysians through the RMHC Malaysia coin boxes placed in all McDonald’s restaurants nationwide, as well as through direct sponsorships.
Azmir Jaafar, President of RMHC Malaysia as well as Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia said, “This unique ‘home away from home’ concept is an effort by RMHC Malaysia to enable parents and guardians to fully focus on their children’s recovery. We also hope that through strategic collaborations with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, the state government, and healthcare providers, especially hospitals with high traffic, we can expand our programme to benefit families of patients nationwide.”
This home, a result of the partnership between RMHC Malaysia and corporations, non-governmental organisations, as well as individuals, has played a role in bringing joy to families and pediatric patients who have used the facilities here. Apart from monetary contributions, RMHC Malaysia also receives various types of donations such as food, daily supplies, and household goods.
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said, “As one of Malaysia’s renowned hospitals, HCTM-UKM receives more than 20,000 pediatric patients annually. Besides easing the burden of pediatric patients and their families, the existence of the Ronald McDonald House has also indirectly improved the quality of healthcare services here at the hospital.”
The Ronald McDonald House is a global RMHC programme that has now reached a total of 370 homes across the globe, providing a place to stay for families with hospitalised children seeking treatment at nearby hospitals and medical facilities. RMHC Malaysia conducts 4 main programmes to help Malaysian children, which are the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Sensory Room, Gift of Smile, and Back-to-School packs for primary school children from underprivileged families. These programmes encompass the 3 core pillars of RMHC Malaysia which are Health, Education, and Welfare.
Quick Facts about Ronald McDonald House, HCTM-UKM:
• Accommodation Cost: RM5 per night
• Total bedrooms: 19 (accommodates 19 families at a single time)
• Total beds: 57 units
• Other available facilities: Dining room, living room, prayer room, kitchen, laundry room, games room, playground, library, mini gym, and computer room
• Various exciting activities conducted: Family Day, healthy cooking class, fitness classes, birthday celebrations for pediatric patients, as well as celebrations of various festivities
RMHC Malaysia has also recently launched its second Ronald McDonald House in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, to help families of pediatric patients in Kelantan and the East Coast region.
Contact the Ronald McDonald House in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (HCTM-UKM), Kuala Lumpur at 03-9173 5994 or the RMHC Malaysia headquarters at 03-7843 3388 if you are interested to contribute via cash donations or volunteer for RMHC Malaysia.
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