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How past Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award winner Michael Chow helps people

Homepage News How past Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award winner Michael Chow helps people
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How past Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award winner Michael Chow helps people

December 9, 2018
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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 ― There is a simple sign that hangs on the wall of the porch. Faith Helping Centre.

Simple enough but the love and care behind this shelter is encapsulated behind the steely determination of founder Michael Chow to provide a refuge for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Inside, there are lounge chairs for residents to rest with an office corner where a desk is set up for administrative matters to be handled. Inside the kitchen, meals are cooked for residents while upstairs the rooms are equipped with beds.

Michael, 57 is probably one of the longest surviving persons living with HIV in Malaysia. That’s 27 years so far.

And he has run the shelter since 1994. It is made up of two rented double-storey houses in Kuala Lumpur. One is for men and the other for women and children.

For his efforts, Michael was awarded the Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award in 2002. He duly spent the RM5,000 cash prize on the shelter.

Michael is, so far, the only HIV-positive person to have been awarded the prize.

He recalls that he thought it was joke when he was told that he had won the award and only found out later that it was Datuk Dr Christopher Lee who had nominated him.

“I never thought I would get it. God has made me humble and this award is for serving the people.”

Throughout the years, clients are normally referred to him by hospitals or after reading about him in the media. The shelter is a refuge for those who have no one to care for them. Some are unable to walk when they arrive at his shelter. For this, part of the recovery process is walking up and down the stairs with the caretaker until they are able to do it by themselves.

In addition to Michael and the caretaker, there is someone who cooks the meals while another is an administrative assistant.

Residents who have regained their strength eventually find employment while others volunteer at the Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS) and provide peer support such as helping other PLHIV attend hospital appointments. There are those who move out but some remain until they are ready to leave.

“Some people stay here for a long time because their families don’t want them. But those who can go back to their families will do so.

“I have a woman whose husband died and she is still staying with me after 15 years. Her children are sent to school.”

Michael says his work is his calling and while he does get tired sometimes, he questions where would his clients go if there was no such shelter.

“Sometimes, the people I take care of will say, ‘You don’t die first. Let me die first. Then at least there will be people to take care of the rest’.

“Of course during the tough times, I have to stay strong. I cannot cry in front of them. I force myself to be strong. Later, I will cry.”

Keeping the shelter open is always a challenge especially in recent years due to funding cuts.

He currently receives donations from M.A.C Cosmetics, families of patients and friends.

The cost to run both homes, which can accommodate up to 19 people, is RM20,000 a month.

Michael says the neighbours know about the shelter. After all, there used to be so many funerals in the early days while ambulances would arrive and depart.

“They don’t give us trouble. I used to joke with Dr Chris that he was specialist in HIV and I was the specialist in funerals.”

Vincent, a resident at the shelter, says he has been staying for the past eight years. He was introduced to the shelter by KLASS.

“I felt scared and didn’t feel like doing anything. But slowly, my self-confidence has returned. I have learnt a lot of things. And now, I go out to meet people. I am giving peer support. I am very happy. Soon, I plan to move out,” he adds.

Staring down the virus

Michael was diagnosed with HIV in 1992 when he went for a blood test upon joining the Bible College. He wanted to study theology.

Michael adds that he was a “gangster” when he was 16 and started using drugs until he was in his 20s. There was no harm reduction back then and he kicked the habit “cold turkey”.

His diagnosis came during a time when the only medication was AZT. It cost patients RM1,800 a month and Michael could not afford it.

He sought Dr Christopher’s help, who then entered him into clinical trials and he was able to get medication for free.

Currently, he is on first line medication which requires him to take two pills daily.

He was also hit by Hepatitis C two years ago that saw his weight plunge to 39kg. Michael now weighs a healthy 54kg after receiving treatment.

However, he also has to deal with depression ― a side effect of the medication, he says. He duly sought help at the Sungai Buloh Hospital and is on medication for the condition.

“It is like taking M&M chocolates and my wife puts them in a pill box for me. Nowadays, the depression isn’t so bad. I pray to God to give me mercy.”

Michael finally got married in 2012 after finding his match ― something he never thought would happen. They live together with her two children, of whom Michael sought to get “approval” from in order to marry.

He doesn’t plan to retire just yet. Maybe in 10 years’ time, he says adding that he is currently training someone to take over the reins.

“I am already cutting back. Hopefully, I can retire and just become an adviser.”

“Willpower and my religion is what keeps me going.”

Reflecting on the HIV/AIDS situation in Malaysia, he says that although there have been improvements, more needed to be done for prevention and awareness.

* ENDING AIDS: Silver Linings in the first 25 years of Malaysian AIDS Council was a coffee table book written by Malay Mail’s weekend editor Audrey Edwards that was produced by the council and Malaysian AIDS Foundation.

Malay Mail, as media partner of the Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award Gala Dinner, has been given permission to republish some of the articles contained in the book.

The story this week is about Michael Chow who won the Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award in 2002.

** Tables at the gala dinner are available in the following categories: diamond (RM50,000); platinum (RM30,000) and gold (RM20,000). For more information, please contact Nurshaliza Manaf at liza@mac.org.my or 014-504 8927 or Azahemy Abdullah at azahemy@mac.org.my or 016-646 5874.


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Pongal is here, an occasion that will mark joy and
Pongal is here, an occasion that will mark joy and happiness. So let’s celebrate this season with full enthusiasm & energy. Celebrate this day with a heart filled with cheer and fervour. 

We from MyKLASS would like to send a warmest greetings to you and your family and loved ones this auspicious day. May your blessings be as plenty as the rice in the pot and your life be as sweet as the milk.

We also wish you happiness and prosperity on Pongal. May the joyous festival of harvest bring joy and good luck aplenty to you and your loved ones.

During this festival, please make sure to stay safe at home and always follow the guidelines of SOP. Take care!

#HappyPongal2021 #Pongal #MyKLASS #KLASS #StaySafe #KitaJagaKita

The year 2020 has been quite a difficult one for m
The year 2020 has been quite a difficult one for most of us, the coronavirus pandemic did not only wreck our health and sanity, but also left quite a lasting impact on most of our lives. One that will continue to affect our lives even when this whole nightmare is over. Yet, humanity is not be taken lightly either. We will continue to hold on to hope and persevere for a brighter and better tomorrow. 

May your days be painted in gold. May your life be filled with diamonds. May the stars shine brightly on your world. May you have a fun-filled year. Let’s make our New Year resolution to be there for each other and help fellow human beings in need even if we don’t know them personally. Happy New Year!

#KLASS #myklass #HappyNewYear #2021 #Goodbye2020 #KitaJagaKita #StaySafe

[SCAN THE QR CODE FOR RSVP]
Tomorrow will be our l

[SCAN THE QR CODE FOR RSVP]
Tomorrow will be our last event for the World AIDS Month! 
Date:26th December 2020 (Saturday)

Time: 3 PM-5 PM.

Welcoming individuals living with HIV to our monthly support group session!

This is a safe space created for PLHIV to learn valuable info from HIV+ peers and share your thoughts too if you're comfortable. This month's topic is Life as a PLHIV, which discusses different aspects of how HIV affects a person and how they can manage this.

You may scan the QR code or contact @rafiehamzah : +60 10 251 8292 (RAF) to book the limited seats. See you guys tomorrow. #knowyourstatus #supportgroup #GlobalSolidaritySharedResponsibility #myklassorg #freehivtest #kitajagakita  #worldaidsday2020

[SWIPE FOR MORE]

The one who has not Christmas in
[SWIPE FOR MORE]

The one who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and embrace the warmth of your closest ones. May the divine love of God descend into your home to make it a piece of heaven. This Christmas, We from KLASS wish you find peace and prosperity in every sphere of your life. 

In Conjuction of Christmas during World AIDS Day month, shall we not forget our beloved KLASS Care Centre residence. For that most of our time today will spend together with them. 

Despite the pandemic, May this festive season sparkle and shine, may all of your wishes and dreams come true, and may you feel this happiness all year round. Merry Christmas!

#merrychristmas #Myklass #kitajagakita #worldaidsday #globalsolidaritysharedresponsibility #staysafe #kitajagakita


✨Norma Baharu Majlis Sambutan Hari AIDS Sedunia
✨Norma Baharu Majlis Sambutan Hari AIDS Sedunia Klinik Kesihatan Seksyen 7 Shah Alam ✨

“Sodalariti Sejagat, Tanggungjawab Bersama” tema Hari AIDS Sedunia 2020 dalam mengakhiri apedemik AIDS dan memperbahaui tekad perkukuh kerjasama sifar AIDS

Tahniah KLASS berjaya menganjurkan program komuniti 
✅ Saringan HIV test
✅ Saringan ujian kesihatan mental
✅ Pameran PrEP
✅ Demonstrasi pemakaian kondom @carecondomsmy 

19 Disember 2020 (Sabtu)
9pagi - 12 tengahari

#KnowYourStatus
#KetahuiStatusAnda
#DapatkanRawatan
#KitaJagaKita

✨4 HARI LAGI✨

Bila kali terakhir buat HIV tes
✨4 HARI LAGI✨

Bila kali terakhir buat HIV test? Lebih 6 bulan lepas? Jom datang ke Klinik Kesihatan Seksyen 7 Shah Alam pada untuk saringan HIV TEST PERCUMA

19 Disember 2020 (Sabtu)
9pagi - 12 tengahari

Book slot HIV test anda hari ini - https://forms.gle/mspP7XKH5dYZwfCC9

@carecondomsmy percuma menanti anda 

#KnowYourStatus
#KetahuiStatusAnda
#DapatkanRawatan
#KitaJagaKita


[ENTRY CLOSED]
As you guys know, this week is all

[ENTRY CLOSED]
As you guys know, this week is all about Mobile Legend E-Sport Friendly Tournament! @mobilelegendsgame 
Tonight at 8 Pm, will be the first day of the tournament (Qualifications & Quater Final)

KLASS will team up with few Outreach Workers/Volunteers from different NGO to compete together with the youth and clients! The motive of this event is for us to bond and spend time more with them.

We will update the insight of the tournament soon in all our social media platform. Good Luck to the participants and enjoy! 

#mobilelegends #myklassorg #worldaidsday2020 #globalsolidaritysharedresponsibility #staysafe #kitajagakita

Jom sama2 kita lakukan HIV TEST secara PERCUMA sem
Jom sama2 kita lakukan HIV TEST secara PERCUMA sempena Hari AIDS Sedunia peringkat Klinik Kesihatan Seksyen 7 Shah Alam

19 Disember 2020 (Sabtu)
9pagi - 12 tengahari

Book slot anda hari ini - forms.gle/RjvX2priu7frw5…

@carecondomsmy percuma menanti anda 

#KnowYourStatus
#KetahuiStatusAnda
#DapatkanRawatan
#KitaJagaKita

Suprise!! While waiting for todays second KLASSTal
Suprise!! While waiting for todays second KLASSTalk, we are pleased to announce the third KLASSTalk session regarding:

“HIV STIGMA ON MENTAL HEALTH AND ITS IMPACT ON ENDING AIDS” 

tomorrow, 13 Dec 2020 Live via Google Meet at 8.00pm - 9.00pm ! Also will be available on Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/myKLASSorg

PANELIST: 
i) Chua Chee Heng (Verified Counselor)
ii)Hajra Maktahar (MAC Advocacy & Community Development Manager)

Despite the science behind #UequalsU, Stigma against HIV is persistent. 
Join us to learn more about how Mental Health and Stigma intertwined and how it may affect our missions to end AIDS.

This KLASS Talk is open to public.

*E-certificates are available for all attendees.*

Meeting ID
meet.google.com/yzc-hmbs-mxx
Phone Numbers
(‪US‬)‪+1 617-675-4444‬
PIN: ‪208 415 249 1475#‬

#KLASSTALK #Myklass #endingAIDS2030 #WorldAidsDay2030 #GlobalSolidaritySharedResponsibility

Catch us tomorrow for our second KLASSTALK regardi
Catch us tomorrow for our second KLASSTALK regarding: “INTRODUCTION TO SEXUAL HEALTH IN MALAYSIA” via live streaming at all MyKlass’s Social Media platform. 

Event details:
Date: 12th December 2020
Time: 2PM - 3PM

Panelist: 
i) Dr Rachael Winston (Doctor At Polyclinic MUC)

ii) Charlotte Seet (Product Manager At Care Latex)

#WorldAIDSDay2020 #GlobalSolidarity #SharedResponsibility #MyKlassorg #KnowYourStatus #KitaJagaKita #StayAtHome

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2020

10 December 2020

Theme fo
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2020 

10 December 2020

Theme for this year : RECOVER BETTER

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

KLASS call to action “Stand Up for Human Rights” , we aim to engage the general public, our partners and members to bolster transformative action and showcase practical and inspirational examples that can contribute to recovering better and fostering more resilient and just societies. #HumanRightsDay2020 #MyKlass #RecoverBetter #StandUpForHumanRightsDay #StaySafe #KitaJagaKita #HealthRightsIsHumanRights


Make sure to watch our Facebook Live for KLASS Wor
Make sure to watch our Facebook Live for KLASS World AIDS Day 2020 launched today by Datuk Dr Christopher Lee. And catch Forum Session at the end on our Instagram and Twitter Live! See everyone soon!

Event details:
Date: 6th December 2020
Time: 2PM - 4PM

#WorldAIDSDay2020 #GlobalSolidarity #SharedResponsibility #MyKlassorg #knowyourstatus

[SWIPE RIGHT FOR MORE]

Here is the next event fro
[SWIPE RIGHT FOR MORE]

Here is the next event from us!
Catch us tomorrow for KLASS World AIDS Day 2020 launched by Datuk Dr Christopher Lee via live streaming at all MyKlass’s Social Media platform. 

Event details:
Date: 6th December 2020
Time: 2PM - 4PM

There’s also going to be a Forum Session:- IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON PANDEMIC HIV/AIDS.

Panelist: 
i)Nabil (Program Manager, FRHAM)
ii) Tarmizi (CaseWorker, KLASS)

#WorldAIDSDay2020 #GlobalSolidarity #SharedResponsibility #MyKlassorg #KnowYourStatus #KitaJagaKita #StayAtHome


Our first event of the month!!
Come and join us to

Our first event of the month!!
Come and join us tomorrow for a talk regarding Introduction of NGO advocating sexual health in Malaysia via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Live KLASS from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Will be joined by a special guest from Malaysian AIDS Council, YusralHakim. See you there!

#freehivtesting #myklassorng #staysafe  #kitajagakita  #EndingAIDS2030 #GlobalSolidaritySharedResponsibility @uequals2u @myaidscouncil

[SWIPE RIGHT FOR MORE!]
Suprise!! The day has fina

[SWIPE RIGHT FOR MORE!]
Suprise!! The day has finally arrived for the announcement! On this beautiful day, we from MyKlass would want to wish a Happy World Aids Day to all out there. We also would like to share timeline of our various activity that will be held in conjuction of this amazing month! 

Today, let us start interacting with the people who are suffering from AIDS with an open and liberal mindset. Let us stop looking down upon people who are suffering from AIDS. In the eyes of AIDS, everyone is equal; any of us could get it.

So remember, don't let momentary thrill decide your long time fate. 
Always sync pleasure with protection and stay HIV/ AIDS free! Make your voice a potent weapon to create beautiful earth, one without AIDS. Take care, stay safe and stay tuned for more to come from us!

#myklassorg #WAD2020 #globalsolidaritarysharedresponsibility #WorldAidsDay2020 @uequals2u @myaidscouncil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01st December 2020, Kuala L
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01st December 2020, Kuala Lumpur - In the face of great adversity, our communities have come together before; and we have spoken up to defend those whose voices were not at the table.

Over the decades, we have witnessed each other’s strength, and realised that we are stronger together. We have fought stigma and discrimination every step of the way.

Even with the advances that we have made in collaborations with policy makers, government ministries, healthcare centres, medical personnel and the public; our work is not done.

Under the looming shadow of COVID-19, we still strive to provide adequate services for those who need us. Faced with the challenges of keeping our team members safe, we continue because our services are still essential to end AIDS.

As we keep our eye on the goal, there will be detractors who would deny our rights to universal healthcare. They can expect even louder voices against social injustice.

Leaving the year 2020 behind, we move into a new normal that will continue to present stumbling blocks along our path, but we will prevail.

Our combined resilience will support each other in global solidarity, with a shared responsibility to maintain our objectives of ending both viruses.

We will continue to do so with unwavering courage.

#WorldAIDSDay

Andrew Tan Tze Tho,
President of KLASS, Term 2019-2021

###

ABOUT WORLD AIDS DAY 2020
Every year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. With this in mind, this year the theme of World AIDS Day is “Global solidarity, shared responsibility”. World AIDS Day remains as relevant today as its always been, reminding people and governments that HIV has not gone away. There is still a critical need for increased funding for the AIDS response, to increase awareness of the impact of HIV on people’s lives, to end stigma and discrimination and to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.


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Tuesday, 9, Jul
KLASStalk: Updates from HIV Clinical Forum, Tokyo
Thursday, 10, Jan
2 Notable Humanitarians, On The How, Where & Why We Are Closer To Ending AIDS
Wednesday, 19, Dec
Dr M lauded for calling for safe sex education
Tuesday, 18, Dec
AIDS council slams proposed mandatory HIV tests for non-Muslims
Sunday, 16, Dec
Anti-discrimination policy for HIV-positive employees in workplace needed: PM
Sunday, 9, Dec
How past Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award winner Michael Chow helps people

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