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

December 9, 2018
By admin
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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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The fact is that more people fight the Cancer and The fact is that more people fight the Cancer and live beyond it compared to the people who die with it. Never lose on your hopes.

Warm wishes for World Cancer Day. The battle we must all fight to make this world a healthier place to live. Despite the hardship with the current pandemic situation and MCO 2.0, we are in this together!

Sincerely, from KLASSmates.

#MyKLASS #KLASS #WorldCancerDay
#StaySafe #KitaJagaKita
Hey2 there everyone, Thank you for your January d Hey2 there everyone,

Thank you for your January donations. It was great to see so many loves that you are willing to share for the sustainability of our programs.

Again, sharing with you our latest new online donation page at https://klass.org.my/donate/ powered by Kiple. Other methods of donation to us are also available on our website.

#ShowYourLove #KLASS #StaySafe #daretohelp

Sincerely,
KLASS
Assalamualaikum dan salam sejahtera, Mengambil ki Assalamualaikum dan salam sejahtera,

Mengambil kira situasi pandemik COVID-19 di dalam negara yang semakin membimbangkan, KLASS akan menganjurkan Majlis Bacaan Yaasin melalui aplikasi Zoom bersama semua staff yang beragama Islam pada :

Tarikh : *1 Februari 2021 (Isnin)*
Waktu : *7:45 malam*

Tujuan ia diadakan supaya kita dapat bersama-sama memohon perlindungan dan keselamatan daripada Yang Maha Esa daripada diuji dengan wabak merbahaya tersebut.
 
Mohon diuar-uarkan juga kepada rakan-rakan NGO dan juga klien kita. 

✨TERTERA DIBAWAH INFO TENTANG ZOOM MALAM INI✨:
Topic: Majlis Bacaan Yasin Online
Time: Feb 1, 2021 19:35 Kuala Lumpur

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/95680492544?pwd=TGVjVmJWRzdDVlg5YkI2eGRNMFVEdz09

Meeting ID: 956 8049 2544
Passcode: 123456

Join by Skype for Business
https://us02web.zoom.us/skype/95680492544
Today marks the anniversary of formation of the Ku Today marks the anniversary of formation of the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory in 1974.

In conjunction to Federal Territory Day, MyKLASS also would like to encourage everyone to join “Kempen Kibar Bendera Wilayah Persekutuan” on the 17th January 2021 until 28th February 2021 even at your home to appreciate spirit of patriotism and show love for the federal territories 

By that, again Happy Federal Territory Day! We wish you and your loved ones a great and safe month ahead. Stay safe always

#MyKLASS #KLASS #HariWilayahPersekutuan2021 #WilayahPersekutuanWilayahPrihatin
#StaySafe #KitaJagaKita
Our work never stops even during this global pande Our work never stops even during this global pandemic. Do your part in helping us raise funds for our halfway home, KLASS Care Centre.

Our work never stops even during this global pandemic. Do your part in helping us raise funds for our halfway home, KLASS Care Centre

#ShowYourLove #KLASS #StaySafe #daretohelp 

Love,
KLASS
MyKLASS wishes all Hindus and Malaysians Happy Tha MyKLASS wishes all Hindus and Malaysians Happy Thaipusam and Happy Holidays! . May your wholesome deeds be rightly blessed.

Thaipusam is a special Hindu festival celebrated by many of our countrymen. The popular and important festival celebrates the day Goddess Parvati bestowed upon her son to defeat the demon as well as signifies spiritual insight and the ability to differentiate right from wrong.

In conjunction with the celebrations during current Covid-19 era, we would also want to remind everyone to always stay safe and follow SOP guidelines all the time. 

#MyKLASSorg #KLASS #HappyThaipusam2021 #staysafe #kitajagakita
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
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[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 

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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
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Retweet on TwitterKuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS) Retweeted
raffoesRafi@raffoes·
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The struggle is real. Major progresses that has happened around the world along the last decade or so in regards to discrimination have been amazing but they're not nearly enough including over here in Malaysia. We're still hurting each other. We still have a long way to go https://twitter.com/myKLASSorg/status/1366217344226271232

Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS)@myKLASSorg

On Zero Discrimination Day this year, UNAIDS is highlighting the urgent need to take action to end the inequalities surrounding income, sex, age, health status, occupation, disability, sexual orientation, drug use, gender identity, race, class, ethnicity & religion that continue-

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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

Welcome back,