Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC Malaysia) and McDonald’s Malaysia in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (Hospital USM) held a gotong-royong event in conjunction with the opening of Ronald McDonald House in Hospital USM to welcome the family of pediatric patients receiving treatment there as well as surrounding hospitals.
The opening of this Ronald McDonald House makes it the second of its kind in Malaysia, following the first at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur back in 1999.
Azmir Jaafar, President of RMHC and Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia said, “The Ronald McDonald House was opened due to the necessity at HUSM which is a referral hospital receiveing more than 20,000 patients annually. This facility is important because it not only provides the amenities and accommodation to alleviate the burden of the patient’s family, but it also provides some of these families with emotional strength coming from the support of other families who are also accompanying their sick children receiving treatment. ”
YBhg. Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail, Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor said, “With the presence of Ronald McDonald House at Hospital USM campus, it will be possible for family members to stay with their children throughout their treatment at the hospital. This is important because indirectly, it will encourage the recovery of the pediatric patients at a faster pace due to the physical and emotional support from family members. ”
With a construction cost of RM4 million, Ronald McDonald House at Hospital USM is equipped with 18 bedrooms as well as a dining room, lounge, kitchen, laundry room, games room, and other facilities for occupants. Apart from that, this house is made more special with the Ronald McDonald Sensory Room which provides special multi-sensory equipment donated to Hospital USM to assist with the development of special needs children.
The Ronald McDonald House was made possible with contributions from RMHC Malaysia, McDonald’s Malaysia, business partners, and McDonald’s customers who contribute through the RMHC coin box located in over 275 McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.
Also present at the Ronald McDonald House Opening Ceremony was YBhg. Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Sukari Halim, Health Campus Director/Director of USM Hospital.
Members of the public who wish to know more about the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Hospital USM, Kelantan or wish to contribute via cash donations or volunteering can contact RMH PPUKM, Kuala Lumpur branch at 03-91735994 for more information.