Ting (right) receiving the RM13,650 cheque from Goh.
MIRI (June 12): Two Chinese associations have contributed a total of RM46,500 to the ‘Kita Jaga Miri’ platform today in support of the Miri Hospital Molecular Lab extension project.
The Ling Clan Association of Miri and Miri Wu Clan Association have raised and donated RM32,850 and RM13,650 respectively, which were handed over to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting at his office.
Ling Clan Association chairman Ling Kie Ing said they have successfully raised the money thanks to the compassion and support from the members as well as friends and acquaintances.
Christopher Goh, the chairman of the Miri Wu Clan meanwhile revealed that it took his association a week to raise the money.
“Initially, we did not expect to achieve this amount, considering the time frame and how the pandemic had affected many people.
“I believe members of the Miri community are very concern of the Covid-19 pandemic situation that prompted them to be very supportive,” said Goh.
Meanwhile, Ting thanked the associations as well as those who have been donating to the project, stating the spirit of unity in fight against the virus is much needed now.
“As soon as the extension project completes and the capacity of the molecular lab could be increases, this will allow those waiting for their swab tests results to be out faster.
“This would also allow the monitoring and quarantine procedure to be smoother, and indirectly put the pandemic situation in the division under control,” said Ting.
The extension project was initiated by ‘Kita Jaga Miri’ platform which consists of four bodies – Rotary Club of Miri Oil Town, the Advocates Association of Sarawak (AAS) Miri, the Federation of Miri Division Chinese Associations (FCA) Youth and Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers (Sheda) Miri, targeting RM750,000 covering structural building extension and additional medical equipment.
The structural building extension commenced on June 3 and was completed within a week, whereas the interior fixtures and the arrival of medical equipment would require another one week before it can be fully operational.