Teratak Kasih Tok Nan facility opens in Bintulu

BINTULU (Feb 4): The Teratak Kasih Tok Nan facility here was officially declared open yesterday, marking another milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to provide care, support and dignity for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Malaysian AIDS Foundation Borneo patron Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu said this reflected the state government’s strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all segments of society, regardless of background.

“The Premier’s (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) support for the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Sarawak branch is deeply meaningful, and has become the backbone of the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan initiative.

“The Sarawak government’s funding has enabled the opening of this third facility in Bintulu, bringing care and assistance closer to communities in need,” she said in her speech during the opening ceremony yesterday.

Teratak Kasih Tok Nan was conceived as a safe space where individuals could regain confidence and hope, and was named in honour of the late former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, who was fondly known as ‘Tok Nan’, explained Jamilah.

She said the facility at Taman Putrajaya here aimed to mirror the success of the flagship centre in Kuching by offering a safe haven for those affected by HIV and AIDS.

“Teratak Kasih Tok Nan was established with a simple but profound intention—no one should feel alone.

“Many individuals I had met through my long involvement with the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Sarawak came burdened by exhaustion, uncertainty, or a simple need to be heard without judgement.

“From its beginnings in Kuching to Miri and now Bintulu, each Teratak Kasih Tok Nan facility represents a step taken with hope, aimed at ensuring assistance reaches communities more quickly, gently, and compassionately,” she said.

Jamilah also expressed her appreciation to the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Sarawak team and its non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners on the ground.

“They are the true strength behind this initiative. They are present not merely to work, but to accompany, guide, and care for the community with love.”

Jamilah believed that early support and humane engagement could change the course of a person’s life, and what was most often needed was not a large gesture of assistance but acceptance, understanding, and appreciation.

The Teratak Kasih Tok Nan facility has a 15-person capacity, and provides a temporary roof for those in need of shelter while receiving treatment or counselling.

Among its services include confidential screening, free and voluntary HIV testing, psychosocial support, counselling sessions, treatment referrals and community education.

As a non-profit, the centre relies heavily on donations to maintain its transit facilities and outreach programmes.

Contributions can be made to the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (Affin Islamic Bank) at 1-541-000347-9 with the reference ‘TKTN BINTULU’.

For any inquiries or appointments, reach out to the centre’s programme coordinator Reginer on 014-286 2501 or assistant manager Hafiz Tarmizi on 012-815 7763.