By Vincent D’Silva

KULAI: In a quiet room where lives are sustained drop by drop, the hum of dialysis machines has echoed steadily for nearly three decades. For many patients, that sound has meant survival, dignity and hope. Now, as costs rise and resources strain, the Rotary Club of Kulai Foundation is calling on the public to help ensure that the rhythm never stops.

Speaking at a press conference, Rotary Club of Kulai Foundation president Elise Teoh announced the club’s 30th Anniversary Charity Fundraising Dinner, to be held on April 18, at Ji Yuan Restaurant.

The event aims to raise RM500,000 for the Kulai Rotary Dialysis Centre, an institution that has quietly served the community since 1996.

“Today, I’d like to share with you a meaningful event,” Elise said, her voice steady but purposeful. “This centre is more than a building with machines. It is a lifeline for patients who would otherwise struggle to afford treatment.”

For nearly 30 years, the Kulai Rotary Dialysis Centre has offered dialysis at a heavily subsidised rate of RM110 per session, a fraction of the RM250 typically charged by private centres.

The modest fee has never been increased, despite rising operational demands — a commitment that has allowed underprivileged patients, particularly those from B40 families, to continue treatment without unbearable financial strain.

But the centre is now facing a harsh reality. Escalating electricity bills and maintenance costs have created a monthly shortfall of RM60,000 to RM70,000, threatening its sustainability.

“The funds raised will go directly to critical needs,” Elise said.

“We need to repair our water tank system to ensure clean, safe water for patients, and we plan to install solar panels to reduce our electricity costs in the long run.”

She stressed that the centre has survived for three decades largely through public generosity.

“For the past 30 years, we have relied on donations. We have never turned patients away, and we have never raised our fees,” she said.

“So today, I sincerely invite everyone to support this cause — by attending the dinner, sponsoring a table, or making a donation. All contributions will receive tax-exempt receipts.”

Standing beside her was William Wong Chuan Wee, organising chairman of the charity dinner, who expressed confidence that the ambitious target could be met. A total of 100 tables will be sold for the event.

“We are optimistic,” William said. “Our monthly operational expenses amount to about RM200,000, and we currently serve 64 patients every week. The cost is high, but the responsibility is higher.”

He noted that the last charity dinner was held in 2008, and the funds raised then were carefully channelled back into the centre’s upkeep and daily operations.

“This dinner is crucial. The money collected will help ensure that the dialysis centre continues to function smoothly and compassionately,” he said.

William reiterated that the centre’s mission has always been to ease the burden on the poor.

“We charge only RM110 for B40 families because we understand what this treatment means to them. It is not a choice — it is a necessity,” he said, urging the public to come forward to purchase tickets and show support.

For Ho Jee Yuan, president of the Rotary Club of Kulai, the milestone is deeply personal. “It has been almost 30 years since the Kulai Dialysis Centre was established,” he said. “There are patients who have been with us for nearly 30 years, undergoing treatment here.”

His words painted a picture of endurance — of patients who have grown older alongside the centre, bound by routine, trust and care. “After all these years, the centre is still growing,” Ho added. “And we will continue to serve patients with renal problems for as long as there is a need.”

As the anniversary approaches, the message from the Rotary Club of Kulai is clear: this is not just a fundraiser, but a shared responsibility. It is an invitation to stand with patients whose lives depend on compassion translated into action.

“Together,” Elise said, “let us walk this journey with them and continue serving the community with heart.”

The dinner is organised by the Rotary Club of Kulai, supported by the Federation of Chinese Associations Johor and co-hosted by Lian Hoe Huat Enterprise Kulai.