JOHOR BARU: The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar today launched the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Center (TLJCC) at Persada Johor International Convention Center (PERSADA).
Also present was the Permaisuri Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah; Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his wife, Che 'Puan Khaleeda Bustamam as well as the royal couple’s son and daughter.
Also present was the Singapore Prime Minister's wife, Ho Ching; Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
In his speech, Sultan Ibrahim described the construction of the cancer centre as being significant and it fulfilled the dream of the late Tunku Laksamana Johor, Tunku Abdul Jalil to provide treatment to those suffering from cancer.
"My family and I will continue with Tunku Abdul Jalil's dream and we will ensure that Almarhum’s legacy is continued. We will do our best to help and support as many cancer patients as possible," he said.
The Johor ruler also hoped that with the centre, it would provide cancer patients with the best facility and treatment, while at the same time providing necessary aid to patients from the needy group.
"This is why some of the money received by the hospital will be channeled to the needy cancer patients and their families. We want this hospital to benefit those who are underprivileged and their families, "he said.
Meanwhile, the Asian American Medical Group (AAMG) Executive Chairman, Datuk Dr Tan Kai Chah, said the TLJCC will be built at Iskandar Puteri, here, and would be led by AAMG, a health-based company from Singapore.
He said the TLJCC is a private medical institution dedicated to the treatment, research and education of cancer.
Its operation is expected to begin at the end of 2020, with phase one having the latest diagnostic and treatment facility.
"The first phase of this cancer centre involves a gross development cost of about RM300 million, with a total area of 14,000 square meters. The first phase is capable of treating up to 7,000 patients a year.
"The second phase will include internal patient services including a dedicated Shariah-compliant section for women," he said during a press conference at the event.