RHMC Malaysia Celebrates 4,000 Families At Ronald McDonald House Hospital Tunku Azizah

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC Malaysia) marked a significant milestone with the official opening of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) at Hospital Tunku Azizah (HTA), here celebrating 4,000 families served since it began operations in 2021.

RMHC Malaysia President Datuk Azmir Jaafar emphasised the importance of RMH-HTA in providing much-needed support for families whose children are receiving medical treatment.

He said that this facility plays a crucial role in ensuring that families, especially those from outside Kuala Lumpur, can stay close to their children in a comfortable and supportive environment.

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More than 4,000 families have benefitted from RMH-HTA since its establishment, allowing them to focus on their child's recovery without additional financial and emotional burden.

RMH-HTA, which opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, is located on the 10th floor of the hospital’s parking complex. The facility features 20 family rooms accommodating up to 80 residents, as well as a dining room, lounge, kitchen, laundry area, surau, and a children’s playroom - designed to create a ‘home away from home’ experience.

In addition to RMH-HTA, RMHC Malaysia currently operates three other RMH facilities at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM-UKM), which was established in 1999 as the first in Malaysia and ASEAN; Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, which opened in 2019; and Sabah Women and Children Hospital (HWKKS), launched in 2023.

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Azmir also shared plans for RMHC Malaysia’s continued expansion, stating that discussions are ongoing with Sarawak General Hospital and key stakeholders to establish the fifth RMH facility by 2026.

He said this reflects RMHC Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring more families have access to this vital support.

Over the last 35 years, he said RMHC Malaysia’s initiatives have benefited hundreds of thousands of children across the country.

He also expressed deep gratitude for Malaysians' continuous generosity, emphasising that RMHC Malaysia’s funding comes primarily from donations collected at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.

During the event, McDonald’s Malaysia shareholder and General Manager of Saudi Arabia’s Reza Group, Abdulrahman Alireza, presented a personal donation of RM100,000 to RMHC Malaysia to support the operations of all RMH facilities across Malaysia.

Abdulrahman also expressed his admiration for RMHC Malaysia’s impact, stating that he takes great pride in contributing to such an initiative, whether through equipment or other means.

“What matters most is bringing smiles to children's faces and easing the burden on families in need,” he said.

Meanwhile, RMHC Malaysia General Manager Nasri Nordin highlighted that RMH facilities provide more than just accommodation.

He explained that RMHC Malaysia’s priority is to create a stress-free environment for families, ensuring that RMH is more than just a place to stay - it is a space where parents can find comfort, community, and support while their child undergoes treatment.

RMHC Malaysia continues to operate through public donations, with McDonald’s Malaysia playing a key role as the largest corporate partner in supporting its initiatives. 

The organisation runs four main programmes to support children's well-being, particularly in the areas of health and education.

These include the RMH, which provides temporary accommodation for families of pediatric patients; the Ronald McDonald Sensory Room, which offers sensory therapy for children with learning disabilities; the Gift of Smile Programme, which supports cleft lip and palate surgeries; and the Back-to-School Programme, which provides school supplies to underprivileged children.

-- BERNAMA