A DILAPIDATED bungalow along Lebuhraya Rose has been given a new lease of life, transformed into a beacon of hope for cancer patients in Penang and beyond.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), and generous donors, the ‘MBPP Home of Hope’ now stands as a sanctuary for those battling the disease.
The property, owned by MBPP, has been leased to NCSM, which will oversee its operations, ensuring that patients, especially the underprivileged, receive care in a warm, comfortable environment.
NCSM managing director Assoc Prof Dr M. Muralitharan revealed that the idea for the centre was first discussed in 2023, driven by a pressing need to bridge gaps in cancer treatment accessibility.
“Our priority was to create a space where cancer patients, particularly children and adults from low-income backgrounds, could receive treatment without feeling like just another number in a hospital ward,” he said during the launch event.
The facility is not just an extension of Penang Hospital’s oncology services but also a holistic care centre, offering physiotherapy, dietary assistance, and other crucial support services.
The transformation of the bungalow into a fully functional care centre was made possible through remarkable community generosity.
MBPP raised RM547,100 through a charity drive, while philanthropist Traccie Chan led a fundraising effort, whereby RM250,000 was raised through the public support, bringing the total to RM797,100.
However, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran disclosed that the actual cost far exceeded this amount, considering the value of donated materials, consultancy, and workmanship.
“Finding the right location was not easy.
“Several vacant premises required extensive repairs, and one proposed site in Mount Erskine had a restoration cost running into the millions, making it unsuitable.
After much deliberation, we settled on Lebuhraya Rose as the best option,” Rajendran said.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to key supporters, including Datuk Toh Chin Leong, Datuk Chan Soo How, Traccie Chan, contractor Lim Chin Siang, and Datuk Seri Jerry Chan Fook Sing & Datuk Khoo Teck Chong, who played crucial roles in the project’s success.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the opening, hailed the initiative as a model for future community-driven projects.
“Cancer knows no boundaries, age, race, or background.
“Patients deserve not only treatment but also the hope that they can return to a normal life.
“MBPP and NCSM have set a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together for a greater cause,” Chow said.
During the event, Chow and Rajendran also took the opportunity to honour the generous donors who helped make the centre a reality.
The opening of the MBPP Home of Hope marks a significant step forward in cancer care in Penang, proving that when compassion meets commitment, lives can truly be changed.
Also present at the ceremony were Chow’s wife, Tan Lean Kee, the patron of the centre, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim and MBPP Town Planning director Mohd Bashir Sulaiman.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat