KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KPJ Healthcare) aims to benefit about 4,500 students across 15 secondary schools in five states through its KPJ Sound of Hope programme, which seeks to raise awareness of hearing health and encourage early detection of hearing impairments.
KPJ Healthcare Officer-in-Charge Prof Datuk Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid said caring for people's health should not begin only when they become patients.
“When we talk about healthcare, we often think about treating illnesses. But sometimes, making a difference begins with something much simpler, like helping a child understand why protecting their hearing matters,” he said in a statement.
He said hearing was closely connected to how students learn, communicate and interact with others, adding that undetected hearing problems could affect these everyday experiences.
“Through Sound of Hope, we want to reach young people early, help them develop good habits and encourage them to speak up if something does not feel right,” he said.
Hanafiah said KPJ Healthcare's responsibility extended beyond its hospitals, with the KPJ Health System seeking to bring medical expertise closer to communities, particularly where early awareness and intervention could make a meaningful difference.
“This is what Care for Life means to us, making healthcare more accessible and helping people live healthier lives,” he added.
The KPJ Sound of Hope programme is being implemented in phases from September 2026 to April 2027, involving 15 selected secondary schools in Selangor, Johor, Sabah, Pahang and Penang.
Through the programme, KPJ Healthcare audiologists conduct interactive educational sessions themed ‘Protect Your Hearing Now’ to educate students on safe listening practices, the risks of exposure to loud noises and early signs of hearing problems.
Selected students will also undergo basic ear examinations using an otoscope through the Klinik Waqaf An-Nur (KWAN) Mobile Clinic.
The selection is based on an initial questionnaire and parental or guardian consent, while advice for further examinations will be provided if necessary.
The programme is spearheaded by KPJ Healthcare's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team alongside KWAN, in collaboration with JLG REIT Managers Sdn Bhd and supported by the KPJ hospital network.
KPJ Healthcare is also expanding inclusive healthcare access for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community through collaborations with the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MFD) and Hear Me Malaysia.
Three hospitals in the KPJ network, namely Tawakkal Specialist Hospital, Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital and KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital, have achieved Level 1 Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) deaf-friendly capability to strengthen communication between healthcare personnel and deaf patients.
Also present at the event were SMK Subang Utama Senior Assistant (Administration) Sophia Law Chiau Hui and JLG REIT Managers Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Zulhilmy Kamaruddin.
-- BERNAMA