Volunteer relates journey with Diabetes M’sia
MIRI: Twenty- five years ago when she was first elected the deputy chairwoman of Malaysian Diabetes Association Miri branch – now known as Diabetes Malaysia Miri – Ting Chiew Moi had no clue about the challenges that lay ahead of her.
“I was absolutely stunned when they chose me because they said they needed someone in the committee who could converse in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin.
“At the time, I was only accompanying my mother to the branch’s meeting. I felt the pressure when they chose me.”
Chiew Moi admitted that running a non-profit organisation was no easy task, let alone the need to appeal for funds to support and run it.
A couple of years later, she was elected chairwoman – leading a team of committee members passionate in running activities for the benefit of the community, especially the diabetic patients. Under her current tenure as chairwoman, the team has been very active.
“Our main role is to raise awareness of the danger of diabetes, the right way of life for the diabetics and practising a healthy diet.
“Organising fundraising campaigns through dinner events is one of our ways to raise funds. Appealing for funds from members of the public and corporate companies, at times, can be very exhausting – physically and emotionally. You’ve got to have a ‘ thick’ face and a good smile to accept every little gesture from donors. I am grateful that my team has been very cooperative and humble.”
The association, Chiew Moi said, focuses on diabetes and
I was absolutely stunned when they chose me because they said they needed someone in the committee who could converse in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin.
diseases related to diabetes such as kidney failure, blindness and other health problems.
“The number is rising every year; the age (of patients) has now become younger. It is an alarming sign that there is more we need to do to warn the community.”
Chiew Moi said every year, the branch conducts many free health screening events in collaboration with Miri Hospital and Miri Polyclinic.
“It is one of our many activities; we are calling out to the people to be aware of the danger of high sugar intake and its consequences.”
Currently, the branch operates on ‘ Soho’ style, which Chiew Moi described as ‘effective and a money-saving method’.
“Initially, we had a rented office somewhere in the city area. However, the cost of operation was quite expensive for the branch at the time. Thus, we had it shut down and decided to go on mobile. It means that we could be anywhere, at any time without restriction.
“However as time went by, the need for a permanent place to give people a platform to meet and to conduct activities without the headache of figuring out where to hold them, arose.”
Early this year, a plan to set up a one- stop centre for diabetes prevention and counselling here was proposed, and Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting said he would seek assistance from the state government for a piece of land to build the centre.
“The special centre is important to deal with issues concerning diabetes, educating people on prevention and other related matters. It will also serve as a centre where doctors and volunteers can give comprehensive education and counselling to the public in dealing with diabetes,” said Chiew Moi.
The Diabetes Malaysia Miri’s charity gala dinner is held annually to raise funds through ticket sales and donations. On this, Chiew Moi said the proceeds would be used efficiently for the association’s activities, set to benefit the public and the centre as well.
This year, the dinner event will take place at Meritz Hotel here this Aug 19, where Malaysian 80s singers – Wong Ching Yuan and Chng Shyue Chung – will be performing.
So far, sales of tickets have reached over 130 tables.
“I was overwhelmed by the response from the public. The economy is slow, but it does not stop people from continuing to spread love and care for those in need.
“As a non- profit organisation that relies heavily on public donation to run, this is the kind of spirit that we need right now,” said Chiew Moi.
Ting Chiew Moi, Diabetes Malaysia Miri chairwoman