Mah Sing Foundation has formalised its partnership with the Pusat Pembedahan Katarak MAIWP-Hospital Selayang, donating over 400 intraocular lenses valued at RM105,000 to support cataract surgeries for underserved B40 patients across Malaysia.
Cataracts, the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, remain the leading cause of preventable blindness globally. According to the National Eye Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, untreated cataracts are the primary cause of visual impairment among Malaysians aged 50 and above. The condition also affects younger individuals due to factors such as diabetes and prolonged UV exposure, impacting their ability to work and carry out daily activities.
The Pusat Pembedahan Katarak MAIWP-Hospital Selayang has played a significant role in addressing this challenge. Since its establishment in December 2012, the centre has performed more than 35,000 cataract surgeries, contributing to approximately 5% of all cataract surgeries conducted across Ministry of Health facilities nationwide.
Designed as a high-efficiency surgical centre, it is capable of performing between 20 to 30 cataract surgeries daily, enabling faster patient turnaround and significantly reducing waiting times. This efficiency supports the centre’s role in decongesting hospital services, while ensuring patients receive timely and effective treatment.
Beyond service delivery, the centre also serves as a comprehensive training and research hub, and acts as a reference point for national healthcare policies and standards, including those under the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). Its model of care has gained international recognition, with the World Health Organization publishing a case study titled “Bringing High-Impact, Good Quality and Low-Cost Eye Care Closer to Home”, highlighting its effectiveness and potential for replication.
Dato’ Syed Norulzaman bin Syed Kamarulzaman, Chairman of Mah Sing Foundation, said the initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to creating lasting change through its Health & Wellbeing pillar.
“Providing access to cataract surgery is about more than just treatment. Through this programme, we are ensuring B40 patients can receive timely surgery, which enables them to continue working, care for their families, and participate fully in society. This aligns with our broader vision of making meaningful and lasting improvements in the lives of underserved communities.”
“Mah Sing Foundation has a long history of supporting initiatives that empower communities through better health and well-being. Over the years, we have provided free spectacles for schoolchildren, organised health screenings, and assisted communities with food and wellness initiatives to promote healthier living. This programme builds on that work and demonstrates how focused interventions in health can create lasting impact,” he added.
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Noor Hisham bin Abdullah, Trustee of Mah Sing Foundation, said the programme has its roots in national healthcare priorities.
“During my tenure as Director-General of Health, this project was initiated in partnership with Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, recognising the importance of bringing cataract surgery closer to the people. This model demonstrates how strategic collaboration can improve access to care, particularly for underserved communities, while strengthening the overall healthcare system,” he said.
Hospital Selayang Deputy Director (Medical II), Dr Mohd Fadzli bin Arifin, highlighted the operational and patient-level impact of the programme.
“We are grateful for the support of Mah Sing Foundation in supporting this programme. Since the establishment of the Pusat Pembedahan Katarak MAIWP in December 2012, we have performed more than 35,000 cataract surgeries. The programme helps to decongest the hospital and reduce waiting times by up to 50%.
“The centre functions as a one-stop facility, where patients receive consultation, surgery, medication and post-operative care all in one location. Each cataract procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, after which patients can recover comfortably on-site. This reduces stress, improves recovery outcomes, and ensures a smoother patient journey.
“Importantly, more than 90% of patients without pre-existing ocular co-morbidity achieve visual acuity of 6/12 or better within three months following cataract surgery, reflecting the quality and effectiveness of care delivered at the centre,” he said.
Dr Mohd Fadzli added that the programme has been praised by the World Health Organization as a model that can be replicated internationally, particularly in improving equitable access to eye care. He noted that the ability to extend support to hospitals beyond Kuala Lumpur, including Sabah and Sarawak, enables more patients to receive timely treatment closer to home, reducing travel time and associated costs while improving recovery outcomes.
The donated lenses will be utilised at the Pusat Pembedahan Katarak MAIWP and distributed to hospitals nationwide, helping to expand capacity and reach more B40 patients in need.
Those present during the partnership signing included Dato’ Syed Norulzaman; Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Noor Hisham; Jane Leong, Director of Group Strategy and Operations at Mah Sing Group; Lyanna Tew, Head of Corporate Communication, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Mah Sing Group; Dr Mohd Fadzli bin Arifin; and Dr Mohamad Aziz bin Salowi, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of the Pusat Pembedahan Katarak MAIWP.
Looking ahead, Dato’ Syed added, “Mah Sing Foundation will continue to seek impactful programmes like this that support and empower our B40 communities. We aim to ensure that our efforts contribute to sustainable improvements in access to healthcare and overall community well-being.”
