RMHC marks 50 years globally, pledges continued support for children and families
RMHC Malaysia has established four Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide, offering families a safe and comfortable place to stay while their children receive medical treatment.
KUALA LUMPUR – Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) marked its 50th anniversary globally, as well as 34 years of impact in Malaysia, with a commitment to continuing its mission of supporting underprivileged children and their families.
RMHC Malaysia Secretary Melati Abdul Hai emphasised the organisation's significant impact, having served over a quarter of a million children across Malaysia through various initiatives, including Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Sensory Room, the Gift of Smile programme, and the Back-to-School Pack programme.
“In the past 34 years, RMHC Malaysia has made a lasting impact on over a quarter of a million children across Malaysia, touching lives in healthcare, education, and welfare, with a total allocation of RM60 million,” she said.
According to her, the main objective of RMHC Malaysia has been to provide vital support to families with children in need, ensuring access to healthcare.
She said RMHC Malaysia has established four Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide, offering families a safe and comfortable place to stay while their children receive medical treatment.
The first Ronald McDonald House was set up in 1999 in partnership with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM.
It was followed by additional houses at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kelantan, Hospital Tunku Azizah in Kuala Lumpur, and Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak Sabah.
“We offer families a home-away-from-home, allowing them to stay close to their children during their most challenging times,” Melati said.
In addition to the Ronald McDonald House, RMHC Malaysia expanded its services to include the Ronald McDonald Sensory Room, which provides therapeutic support for children with special needs.
Melati said these rooms were designed to help children develop essential life skills.
“Through our Ronald McDonald Sensory Rooms, we have provided critical support to more than 4,500 children with special needs each year, helping them thrive in a nurturing environment,” Melati added.
RMHC Malaysia’s Gift of Smile programme has provided corrective surgeries for more than 1,500 children born with cleft lips and palates, aiming to give them a healthy and confident smile.
The Back-to-School Pack programme has been providing essential school supplies to more than 200,000 children in need since 2017, helping them pursue their education.
Looking ahead, Melati announced plans to expand RMHC Malaysia’s services to East Malaysia, with a fifth Ronald McDonald House set to open at Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching by 2026.
RMHC Malaysia will also establish a third Ronald McDonald Sensory Room in Sarawak in partnership with the hospital’s pediatric unit.
“We are committed to continue expanding our reach across Malaysia, particularly in East Malaysia, to support families who must travel long distances for medical care,” she said.
“We are proud of the impact we have had, and we aim to build on this legacy for the next 50 years,” Melati stated.
She also thanked RMHC Malaysia’s corporate sponsors for their continued support, which has been essential in making these programmes possible.
“Together, we are strengthening families, improving lives, and creating a brighter future for children in need,” she said, urging the community to continue supporting RMHC Malaysia’s mission in healthcare, education, and welfare.
In a related matter, RMHC Global Field Operations Associate Director Rachel Goh shared the story of RMHC’s origins.
She described that in 1975, Fred Hill, a football player, raised funds after his daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia.
His efforts, supported by McDonald’s regional manager Ed Rensi, led to the establishment of RMHC in 1974.
“Family members were sleeping in hospital corridors or in their cars, travelling long distances for their sick children. We wanted to build a home for them,” Rachel said.
Looking forward, Rachel stressed RMHC’s ongoing commitment to healthcare and healing for children in need.
“Since 1990, RMHC Malaysia has focused on building relationships with corporate partners to provide the best support for families. We will continue this mission,” she added.
The event also featured a performance by children from the Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) Hulu Klang, bringing joy and energy to the celebration.
The ceremony concluded with a mock cheque presentation, where RMHC Malaysia’s corporate partners, including Glades Guppy Packaging Malaysia, English Hotbreads (Sel), Nestlé Products, Dindings Poultry Processing, HAVI Logistics (Malaysia), and Tyson Foods (Malaysia), were recognised for their ongoing contributions.
RHMC General Manager Mohd Nasri Nordin also highlighted their focus on children with autism and developmental delays.
“We have developed over 35 Sensory Rooms for autistic children centres, with the 36th set to open in Kuching,” Nasri said, noting plans to expand services in East Malaysia.
The 36th Ronald McDonald Sensory Room, a collaboration with Sarawak General Hospital’s paediatric unit, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
