Foundation keeps prince’s legacy alive
When the word got out that Tunku Laksamana Johor Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil Ibni Sultan Ibrahim was diagnosed with liver cancer in August 2014, Johoreans were devastated.
Many showered their love and support for Tunku Jalil throughout his battle with the disease, including the time he had to go for a transplant surgery in november that year.
Despite the pain and suffering, Tunku Jalil still kept the people of Johor at heart and set up a cancer foundation for poor and needy patients to ease their burden in terms of the high cost of treatment.
After receiving blessings from Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and with the support of the royal family and the state government, Tunku Jalil’s wishes came true when the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (TLJCF) was incorporated in June 2015.
Sadly, Tunku Jalil, whom many described as a friendly and kind-hearted prince, lost his battle with cancer in December 2015.
Slightly over a year later, TLJCF was officially launched by Sultan Ibrahim with Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah as its chairman.
The foundation’s executive director Col Datuk Mohamed Perang Musa said TLJCF started with a contribution of RM10mil, but the funds have grown through direct donations as well as charity events.
“Today Tunku Jalil’s legacy lives on through TLJCF, which is already helping hundreds of patients by alleviating their financial burden or providing moral support,” he told The Star in an interview here.
Col Mohamed Perang said the foundation was set up not only to offer financial aid to cancer patients, but also to provide them with love and support.
“The drugs needed for cancer treatment are not always readily available in hospitals and are definitely not cheap. The average cost ranges from RM14,000 to RM15,000 per cycle depending on the type of drugs prescribed by the physicians,” he said.
he added that TLJCF offered financial assistance to some 566 patients suffering various types of cancers in the state last year.
The aid includes expenses for medical drugs as well as equipment such as wheelchairs, specially designed beds and portable oxygen systems.
“Patients who come from rural and inner parts of the state to seek treatment at hospital Sultan Ismail in Johor Baru are also offered free accommodation, food and transportation to ensure that they are able to make it for their doctor’s appointments,” Col Mohamed Perang added.
he explained that the recipients are usually referred by doctors and the Social Works Department (SWD) of the hospitals. Their applications to obtain the aid are forwarded to TLJCF, where they go through a screening process before being finalised.
“The SWD identifies needy patients and interviews them before submitting the application, attached with the doctor’s referrals, to us.
“We will then review the application during our monthly meeting and finalise the details before approving the sum to be channelled directly for the patient’s medical needs, as we do not hand out money to the recipients,” he added.
Besides volunteers educating and creating awareness about cancer during public events, he added that TLJCF also has a cancer support group that offers patients and their loved ones emotional support throughout the difficult period.
“The support group comprising survivors and patients who are on the road to recovery, as well as the SWD and hospital personnel, will make house visits to check on cancer patients to offer them a positive outlook.
“Sometimes, some of them are unable to cope with life upon learning that they have cancer, so this group goes to the ground to pay them a visit and share their experiences besides educating them on the treatments available,” he added.
Col Mohamed Perang also said the foundation’s third objective, which is to conduct research for new treatments to combat cancer, would be rolled out eventually.
“The royal family is very much committed to keeping Tunku Jalil’s legacy alive and they have individually embarked on initiatives to help raise funds for the foundation,” he added.
Among the fund-raising events that have been conducted include the Laksamana Trophy Charity Golf Tournament, A Ride for Jalil and the Laksamana Run.
“All the events will be carried out again this year, plus another one called the Laksamana Purple Ride, which will be a charity bicycle ride,” he added.
Those who wish to make a contribution or collaborate with TLJCF for charity events can contact the foundation via its Facebook page or website at www.tljcf.org
Today Tunku Jalil’s legacy lives on through TLJCF, which is already helping hundreds of patients by alleviating their financial burden or providing moral support. Col Datuk Mohamed Perang Musa