The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) has expanded its Home of Hope initiative to Penang, offering free accommodation and a range of support services for cancer patients and their families. The new facility, located near Penang General Hospital, was officially launched in partnership with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the event marking the transfer of the property from MBPP to NCSM, with MBPP Mayor Datuk Rajendran Anthony also in attendance. This new addition brings the total number of Home of Hope facilities to eight, joining the existing homes in the Klang Valley and Ipoh, Perak.
The Home of Hope NCSM-MBPP is a two-story building equipped with seven fully furnished bedrooms, providing 14 beds, as well as communal living areas, consultation rooms, activity spaces, dining facilities, laundry services, and kitchens. Located just five minutes from Penang General Hospital, the facility will provide a comfortable and nurturing environment for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
In addition to accommodation, the Home of Hope offers a variety of free support services. These include play therapy for children with cancer, counselling for caregivers and families, dietary and nutritional guidance, shuttle services to and from the hospital, and housekeeping facilities. These services are designed to ease the financial and emotional burdens on families affected by cancer.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized the state government’s commitment to making Penang a more inclusive and livable place, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with the Penang 2030 blueprint. “By offering cancer patients and their caregivers a supportive place to stay, we alleviate some of their financial burdens, thus reducing inequalities. We encourage the public to get involved and help with this charity work,” he said.
NCSM Managing Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, stressed the importance of holistic, people-centred care. “Cancer care goes beyond medical treatments like chemotherapy. It’s about supporting the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The Home of Hope NCSM-MBPP provides that support, giving families a place to find comfort during a difficult time,” he explained.
The renovation of the Home of Hope NCSM-MBPP was funded through generous public donations totaling RM510,000, with contributions from key sponsors including the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (REHDA), Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia Northern Chapter (PAM), and The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Penang chapter.
MBPP Mayor Datuk Rajendran Anthony praised the collaboration between NCSM and MBPP, noting the positive impact of the initiative on the community. “The Home of Hope symbolizes our collective action and the compassion of the Penang community. It’s an example of what we can achieve when we come together to support those in need,” he said.
In 2024, NCSM’s seven existing Homes of Hope provided accommodation for 456 cancer patients and 726 caregivers, totaling 9,850 bed nights. All services offered by the homes are free of charge, funded entirely by public donations.
The opening of the Home of Hope NCSM-MBPP marks a significant step forward in expanding NCSM’s mission to provide vital support to cancer patients and their families across Malaysia.
