WE NEED YOUR HELP
TOGETHER, WE CAN BRING COMFORT AND CARE
A HAVEN FOR CHILDREN WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS
WHY WE NEED THIS CENTRE
Right now, many children in Malaysia lack access to dedicated palliative care outside hospitals.
The Reality IsSince 2018, the UMMC Paediatric Palliative Care Unit has helped over 400 patients and cares for 50-60 patients at any one time; and walks alongside 30-40 families each year through end-of-life and terminal care.
This centre will be the first hospital-linked paediatric palliative care facility—modelled on successful palliative care frameworks globally but adapted to our Malaysian context and cultural sensitivities. It will provide therapies, psychological counselling, respite care and bereavement support beyond the hospital setting.
Facilities in the centre
The MyStarfish PPCC is designed to be a welcoming and functional space for children and their families. Key facilities include:
✅ Counselling Room – Dedicated for emotional support and therapy sessions for parents and siblings.✅ Therapy Rooms – Spaces designed for play therapy, clinical psychology, and other therapeutic activities.✅ Sensory Room – A calming space with sensory equipment to help children with sensory needs.✅ Multi-Purpose Room – A flexible space for educational activities, workshops, and group sessions.
why this centre matters
The Reality for Families
● Many families struggle to manage their child’s pain at home without proper guidance.● Parents often feel alone and overwhelmed, unsure where to get help.● Hospitals focus on medical treatment, but families need holistic emotional, psychological, and respite support too.● Without a dedicated centre, children may miss out on therapies that improve their quality of life.● For years, MyStarfish has supported the Paediatric Pain and Palliative Care Unit at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
While the existing services at UMMC provide crucial care, the need for a dedicated space became evident.
How this centre Will Change Lives
This centre will impact our children and their families by:● Providing a home-like space where children receive specialized palliative care in a warm, supportive environment.● Relieving hospital overcrowding – Families have an alternative outside hospital wards.● Empowering caregivers with counselling, training, and respite care so they’re not navigating this journey alone.● Offering therapies beyond medical care – Play, music, and a sensory room to improve children’s well-being.
This centre will be a first-of-its-kind facility—modelled on successful palliative care frameworks globally but adapted to our Malaysian context and cultural sensitivities.
fundraising target: RM1,000,000
Our location
Address
Pusat Komuniti, Jalan 17/1A, Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya.
The Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) and Mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir have generously allowed a 10-year rent-free use of a building for this purpose.
MyStarfish Paediatric Palliative Care Centre is located next to the MBBPJ Balairaya, Section 17, Petaling Jaya. It is 10-15 mins from UMMC
FAQ
Look through the answers to the most popular questions about our new care centre. Didn’t find what you need? Just send us a note and we will get in touch with you shortly.
What is this Paediatric Palliative Care Centre about?
This Centre will be Malaysia’s first hospital-linked paediatric palliative care centre, providing care to children with life-limiting illness and their families, facing some of the most challenging journeys imaginable in a compassionate and friendly family-centered environment.
Who is setting up this centre?
This centre is a collaborative project between Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ), Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and MyStarfish Berhad.
MyStarfish Berhad is this charity and was co-founded by 2 paediatric palliative care specialist, Dr. Farah Khalid and Dr. Chong Lee Ai to supplement the medical care provided at UMMC.
Why is this Centre needed?
The Paediatric Palliative Care unit at UMMC cares for only about 60 patients at any one time.This centre will allow patients to have access to therapies, psychological counselling and respite care beyond the hospital walls.
What services will the Centre provide?
This Centre’s services will complement the medical care of the children at UMMC. Purpose-designed spaces in the building will support key services such as:• Counselling & emotional support for children and their families.• Therapy, play and sensory programmes.• Respite care for caregivers
How much do patients and their families pay for the services?
All the services at this centre will be provided for free.
How much funding is needed?
RM 1 million is our goal to complete the renovations as well as pay for the first year’s budgeted expenses. This includes funding for therapy, counselling, respite care, and operating expenses. See Fundraising Target for our current fundraising status.
Every contribution matters. You can donate or sponsor a room. See more details in How You Can Give.
Will my donations be tax-exempt?
No. While donations are not yet tax-exempt, every contribution goes directly to services and resources for the children and their families.
How financially Sustainable is the centre after opening?
This Centre will be sustained through ongoing fundraising, grants, corporate partnerships, and volunteer efforts and support.
The Centre will need about RM30,000 monthly to sustain its operations.
MyStarfish is committed to transparency through annual updates and reporting.
What is the purpose of the renovation in progress?
The current renovation is to transform a MBPJ rent-free building into a friendly, safe, therapeutic and nurturing space for children with serious illness and their families. This includes creating dedicated areas for therapy, counselling, respite and accessible facilities tailored to the children’s and their families’ needs.
When will the centre open?
The Centre's opening is planned for December 2025.
where is the centre located?
This Centre is located at Jalan 17/1A, Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya. It is a 10-15 min drive from UMMC.
How do I contact MyStarfish for more info?
Please go to Contact Us for the various ways you can reach us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank You to Our Partners
Our heartfelt thanks to the architects, engineers, and professionals who contributed pro bono towards the renovation of our children’s palliative care centre. Your generosity has turned vision into reality — building not just a centre, but a haven of care and comfort.
ArchitectAr Loo Chee KeongARCALLIANCE SDN. BHD
Engineer (C&S)Dato’ Ir. Robert Ang SNA CONSULT SDN. BHD.
Engineer (M&E)Ir. Mohd Afzal bun Mohd DitaliANGKASA JURUTERA PERUNDING SDN. BHD.
Quantity SurveyorSr Keong Chee Khoon, CQSUNITECH QS CONSULTANCY SDN. BHD.