By Anne Das
The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) has launched the Malaysian SDG Community Health Observatory Network, or MASCHON, a first-of-its-kind initiative supported by the Ministry of Finance and the United Nations through the MySDG Fund. The launch was held recently in Ipoh and officiated by YBrs. Tuan Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance.
The MySDG Fund was created to channel resources into projects that advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. MASCHON supports SDG 3, which promotes good health and well-being, with a specific target of reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one third by 2030.
Tuan Muhammad Kamil said the initiative shows what can be achieved when the government, NGOs and the community work hand in hand for the well-being of the people. “MASCHON is an effort to build healthier and more inclusive communities, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.
NCSM Managing Director Prof. Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy explained that MASCHON is not only about providing care but also about empowering people with health knowledge and data. “This programme will help women from B40 families and Orang Asli communities not only receive care, but take an active role in improving their health.
It covers nutrition, reproductive health and the prevention of major illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer,” he said.
Tambun was selected as the starting point, with six more parliamentary constituencies to follow: Batu Gajah, Alor Gajah, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Karak, Iskandar Puteri and Pulau Pinang. Across these areas, MASCHON will reach 1,500 individuals through 240 trained community health agents and eight on-the-ground micro health observatories.
The need in Perak is urgent. More than 65 % of cancer cases here are diagnosed only at Stage 3 or 4, making treatment more difficult and costly. The economic loss to the state is estimated at RM6.94 million each year.
MASCHON aims to reduce this burden by strengthening prevention and encouraging earlier action, especially among seniors, low-income women and Orang Asli communities.
NCSM’s track record shows what can be achieved. In 2024, it provided free HPV vaccinations to more than 20,000 women across Perak, an effort valued at about RM7 million. Building on this, MASCHON will expand its focus to everyday health themes such as nutrition, reproductive health, and the management of NCDs.
Dr. Murallitharan said the first step in Tambun will be to sit down with the community. “We will meet with Residents’ Associations, village heads and civil society groups to understand what each area actually needs. Whether it is health talks, screenings or support for people with disabilities, the programmes will be shaped around those needs,” he said.
The centre in Kampung Simee has been serving Perak since 2023, providing free accommodation, meals, counselling and support for low-income cancer patients and their caregivers receiving treatment at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun.
Many families from outside Ipoh have been able to complete their treatment journeys because of this support.
With MASCHON, that same spirit of care will be extended into the wider community. By starting in Tambun, the initiative will act as a blueprint for other constituencies nationwide.
For more information, or to connect someone in need, residents can contact the NCSM–Caritas Homes of Hope in Kampung Simee.
📍 Address: BLOCK B, 157863, Jalan Kompleks Sukan, Simee, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
📞 05-546 3636
📍 Facebook: facebook.com/nationalcancersocietymalaysia
