By Herald Malaysia
BUKIT MERTAJAM – Mercy Home, the only shelter in the northern region dedicated to non-Muslim women and children living with HIV/AIDS, marked its 10th anniversary recently with a charity dinner that drew about 600 guests to Dewan St Anne, Jalan Kulim.
Established in 2015 during the Year of Mercy, the home operates under the Penang Diocesan Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministry, led by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang. Officially registered as Pertubuhan Kebajikan HIV/AIDS Katolik Pulau Pinang, Mercy Home is located in Tingkat Laksamana, Taman Teluk Molek, Butterworth. It provides care for those with no one to look after them while undergoing treatment for opportunistic infections.
Under the leadership of chairman P.R. Selvarajan and administrator Elizabeth Thomas, the home’s mission centres on treatment, care and support. With free access to life-saving medication, HIV is no longer considered life-threatening, but strict adherence to daily treatment is essential to suppress the virus and prevent transmission.
However, stigma and discrimination remain major challenges. “The public still links HIV to behaviour such as sexual activity and drug use,” said organisers. “Education on transmission and prevention is key to reducing fear and misunderstanding.
”The anniversary celebration was initiated by Pastor Thoo Sook Lin from the DOA Service Center for Orang Asli Ministry, who has been actively involved with Mercy Home since its inception. Organisers described her as “God’s gift” to the centre.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Youth, Sports and Health, YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, praised the home’s work in his keynote address.“Mercy Home is more than just a shelter — it is a place where women and children affected by HIV/AIDS receive care, support and the chance to rebuild their lives,” he said.
Highlighting the ongoing need for action, he noted that from 2020 until now, Penang has recorded 1,751 cases of HIV and 195 cases of AIDS, with most involving young people. Of these, 43.9 per cent were transmitted through same-sex contact and 9.8 per cent through bisexual contact.
“Medical services alone are not enough. We must also raise awareness, fight stigma and make sure people living with HIV feel accepted and supported. This is where Mercy Home continues to play an important role,” he said.
Gooi welcomed the shelter’s plans to expand outreach and education to more schools and youth groups, pledging his full support.
“Tonight’s charity dinner is not just about raising funds,” he added. “It is about hope, and reminding us that change is possible when we come together as a community. On behalf of the Penang State Government, thank you to everyone who has supported Mercy Home. May your good work continue to grow and touch even more lives.” – Herald Malaysia
