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KUALA LUMPUR – Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia marked its 50th anniversary with a commitment to continuing its mission of supporting underprivileged children and their families.
RMHC Secretary Melati Haizi Abdul Hai emphasised the organisation's significant impact, having served over a quarter of a million children across Malaysia through various initiatives, including Ronald McDonald Houses, Sensory Rooms, the Gift of Smile programme, and the Back-to-School Pack Programme.
“RMHC has made a lasting impact on over a quarter of a million children across Malaysia, touching lives in healthcare, education, and welfare, with a total allocation of RM60 million,” she said.
According to her, the main objective of RMHC Malaysia has been to provide vital support to families with children in need, ensuring access to healthcare.
She said RMHC has established four Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide, offering families a safe and comfortable place to stay while their children receive medical treatment.
The first Ronald McDonald House was set up in 1999 in partnership with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM.
It was followed by additional houses in Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, and other states.
“We offer families a home-away-from-home, allowing them to stay close to their children during medical treatment,” Melati said.
In addition to the Ronald McDonald Houses, RMHC expanded its services to include Sensory Rooms, which provide therapeutic support for children with special needs.
Melati said these rooms were designed to help children develop essential life skills.
“Through our Sensory Rooms, we provide critical support to children with special needs, helping them thrive in a nurturing environment,” Melati added.
RMHC’s Gift of Smile programme has continued to provide corrective surgeries for children born with cleft lips and palates, aiming to give them a healthy and confident smile.
The Back-to-School Pack programme has been providing essential school supplies to children in need since 2017, helping them pursue their education.
Looking ahead, Melati announced plans to expand RMHC services to East Malaysia, with a fifth Ronald McDonald House set to open at Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching by 2026.
RMHC would also establish a third Sensory Room in Sarawak in partnership with the hospital’s pediatric unit.
“We are committed to expanding our reach across Malaysia, particularly in East Malaysia, to support families who must travel long distances for medical care,” she said.
Since its inception, RMHC has opened 36 Sensory Rooms nationwide, and the Gift of Smile programme has helped 13 children receive life-changing surgeries.
“We are proud of the impact we have had, and we aim to build on this legacy for the next 50 years,” Melati stated.
She also thanked RMHC’s corporate sponsors for their continued support, which has been essential in making these programmes possible.
“Together, we are strengthening families, improving lives, and creating a brighter future for children in need,” she said, urging the community to continue supporting RMHC’s mission in healthcare, education, and welfare.
In a related matter, RMHC Global Field Operations Associate Director Rachel Nadia Goh shared the story of RMHC’s origins.
She described that in 1975, Fred Hill, a football player, raised funds after his daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia.
His efforts, supported by McDonald’s regional manager Ed Rensi, led to the creation of RMHC in 1974.
“Family members were sleeping in hospital corridors or in their cars, travelling long distances for their sick children. We wanted to build a home for them,” Rachel said.
Looking forward, Rachel stressed RMHC’s ongoing commitment to healthcare and healing for children in need.
“Since 1990, RMHC Malaysia has focused on building relationships with corporate partners to provide the best support for families. We will continue this mission,” she added.
The event also featured a performance by children from the Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) Hulu Klang, bringing joy and energy to the celebration.
The ceremony concluded with a gift presentation, where RMHC’s corporate partners, including Nestlé Products, Glades Guppy Packaging Malaysia, Didings Poultry Processing, Havi Logistics, and Tyson Foods Malaysia Sdn Bhd, were recognised for their ongoing contributions.
RHMC General Manager Mohd Nasri Nordin highlighted their focus on children with autism and developmental delays.
“We have donated over 35 Sensory Rooms for autistic children centres, with the 36th set to open in Kuching,” Nasri said, noting plans to expand services in East Malaysia.
He said that many children benefiting from the Gift of Smile programme had undergone successful surgeries, resulting in minimal scarring, and highlighted RHMC’s support for children up to 18 years old.
“Every year, we distribute 10,000 donation bags to underprivileged children from the B40 group,” Nasri added.
He shared that although initial expansion plans were aimed at Sarawak, they had to be adjusted to prioritise Sabah first due to the pandemic.
The 36th Sensory Room, a collaboration with Sarawak General Hospital’s paediatric unit, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Nasri expressed concern over the shortage of occupational therapists in Malaysia, stressing the importance of the services provided by RHMC.
“Despite the limited number of occupational therapists, RHMC aims to bridge the gap and provide care for children in need,” he said.
He encouraged parents, especially from the B40 group, to seek help for cleft surgeries and not be hesitant to reach out.
