Johor Sultan pays tribute to late son
We will continue Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil’s dream, says Ruler at launch of cancer facility
JOHOR BARU: The launch of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre (TLJCC) was an emotional experience for the Johor royal family, in particular His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
During his speech, the Ruler stopped several times to wipe his tears.
Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim was also seen tearing up.
Sultan Ibrahim said that cancer care and treatment was an issue that is very close to his heart as his son, Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil, died of liver cancer in December 2015.
“Even during his last moments, when he was enduring a lot of pain, his concern was not about himself but about other cancer patients, especially those who came from low income families.
“He often went out of the way to visit other patients,” he said at the ceremony for the launch of TLJCC yesterday.
Also present were Singapore Prime Minister’s wife Ho Ching, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
His Majesty also said this new cancer hospital was very significant as it was another step towards fulfilling the dream of Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil to help those with the illness.
Sultan Ibrahim stressed that the Johor royal family would continue Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil’s dream.
“We will make sure that his legacy lives on and we will do our best to help and support as many people as we can.
“Two years ago, on Aug 6, 2016, we launched the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation which is dedicated to helping cancer patients in need of financial aid,” he said.
Sultan Ibrahim had also contributed RM2.3mil for the purchase of a CT scanner for the oncology treatment centre for the Sultan Ismail Hospital so that more patients could readily undergo radiotherapy treatment.
The TLJCC would be Malaysia’s first integrative medical unit built in collaboration with the Asian American Medical Group.
The centre would be a private, purpose-built facility for cancer treatment, research and education.
Slated to commence operation by the end of 2020, phase one of the project, to be built on a 0.8ha land in front of Horizon Hills here, the TLJCC will feature state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities.
Phase one, with a gross development value of RM300mil, will offer ambulatory cancer facility comprising 30 day beds. At full capacity, it is able to treat up to 7,000 patients a year.