Malaysian Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Children needs over RM100,000 monthly to run the IQ70Plus centre caring for 69 individuals with disabilities.
PETALING JAYA: Behind a modest building in Jalan Gasing, a welfare centre quietly cares for dozens of children whose daily lives depend on constant medical attention, therapy and supervision.
The Malaysian Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Children, which operates the IQ70Plus care centre, has been providing care for children with disabilities since 2012.
Social worker Peggy Lee Kah Kei said each child requires a different level of support, with some able to move independently while others depend entirely on caregivers.
“Not everyone is in the same situation. Some can move around or read but others need full assistance from caregivers for their daily routines.
“Running such a centre requires significant financial resources. We have to raise more than RM100,000 every month because there are many children here. There are living expenses and therapy expenses,” she told theSun.
Documents shared with theSun show that monthly operating expenses amount to about RM118,000, covering staff salaries, rental, food supplies, therapy services and daily necessities for residents.
Among the largest recurring costs are staff salaries of about RM24,500, house rental of around RM12,000 and meal expenses exceeding RM20,000 each month.
Additional spending goes towards groceries, medical supplies, therapy services and care items such as diapers for residents who require full-time assistance.
“Running the centre is not easy because the expenses are very high. We have to raise funds every month to support the children’s care and treatment.
“Most of the time we depend on public donations or companies that are willing to support us. During festive periods like Chinese New Year, it can be a little easier when some organisations provide assistance.”
Lee said the centre is also dealing with a space issue.
“Our centre has two blocks, Building A and Building B, which care for about 69 individuals. One of the buildings may need to move soon, so we are trying to find another place that can provide shelter for some of the children.”
Apart from residential care, the organisation also tries to assist families struggling to cope with the high cost of medical treatment for children with serious health conditions.
“For some families it is very difficult to manage the medical needs of their children on their own. That is why they come to our centre and we try our best to help take care of the children.
“If we meet families who cannot afford surgery or treatment for their children, we will try to help them raise funds as well.”
Lee said caring for children with severe disabilities requires not only financial resources but also long-term commitment from caregivers and volunteers.
“Our goal is to make sure these children are not neglected and can continue receiving the support they need. We believe every child deserves the chance to live with dignity and care.”
The centre was founded by Chang Ming Kiet after the death of his young son, who suffered severe brain damage.
The centre currently looks after about 69 individuals aged from four to 76 years, with a range of medical conditions, including congenital heart disease, brain injuries and developmental disorders.
Yesterday, theSun reported about eight-year-old J’den K’ng, one of the children under the centre’s care, who requires long-term medical support after suffering severe brain injuries as an infant.
The centre is currently appealing to the public to help raise RM30,000 to fund his treatment and specialised care.
Members of the public wishing to contribute may do so through Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia’s AmBank account (8881060991545). Enquiries can be directed to Peggy Lee Kah Kei at 016-2166739 or peggygoh2166@gmail.com.
The Sun Malaysia
