NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING, 12 JULY, 2019, FRIDAY: Fifteen residents from the Sungai Asap and Murum resettlement communities received eye treatment to restore or improve their vision at Miri General Hospital recently.

They were selected following a preliminary eye screening programme conducted by a team of ophthalmologists and medical officers on March 8 and 9 at Sungai Asap, and March 11 and 12 at Murum for 700 residents of the two areas.

Of the 15 procedures, 13 were for cataract operations, one for pterygium operation while a diabetic patient received laser treatment.

The programme was undertaken as part of Sarawak Energy’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with the Ophthalmology Department of Miri Hospital.

Other partners included the Sarawak Health Department and Klinik Katarak Malaysia which include the Ophthalmology Department of Sarawak, Bintulu General Hospital, Miri General Hospital, Kapit Health Division, Belaga Health Clinic, Sg. Asap Health Clinic and Bakun HEP Clinic.

The operations were conducted and led by Sarawak’s Head of Ophthalmology Department Dr Chieng Lee Ling and supported by ophthalmologists, medical officers, optometrists from the department. In addition to providing logistical support, Sarawak Energy also contributed 50 intraocular lens and other medical products for use under the programme.

The remaining intraocular lens, used to replace crystalline human lens, will be used for future programmes.

“The first programme for 86 from Kapit and Baleh benefited the community by allowing them to be more active with improved mobility. They can continue working and earn income for their families. We hope to extend this benefit to the Bakun and Murum resettlement communities,” said Sarawak Energy’s General Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Jiwari Abdullah.

Tipong Angie of Uma Juman, Sungai Asap, who underwent cataract surgery expressed gratitude that her vision had improved.

“I can go back to weaving and knitting,” said Tipong, who was surprised how painless the procedure was.

The CSR Eye Vision Programme for Better Living in the Rural Community in Kapit and Baleh was awarded Gold under Best Community Programme category at the 10th Annual Global CSR Awards held in Lombok, Indonesia last year.

Sarawak Energy will be organising the next CSR Eye Vision Programme (Cataract Operation) for Balingian and Mukah on 18 – 20 July.

Medical officer performing the eye-check prior to operation.

Patients waiting for their turn.

The patients and Sarawak Energy staff posing for group photo after the operations.