Steven Sim donates RM50,000 to help a Malaysian premature baby in Japan, with medical costs estimated at RM1.5 million.
GEORGE TOWN: Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Seri Steven Sim has donated RM50,000 to support the family of a Malaysian premature baby receiving intensive care in Tokyo, Japan.
The baby, Alexis Liang Xi Yue, was born at just 22 weeks gestation while her parents were on their honeymoon in Japan.
Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, explained the mother suffered severe bleeding upon arrival, leading to the premature birth before she could reach a hospital.
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He stated the infant remains too small and fragile to be transported back to Malaysia.
Liang is expected to remain in Japan until she reaches an appropriate gestational age, likely after March 2026.
The estimated cost for her medical treatment in Japan could reach RM1.5 million.
“This RM50,000 donation is an initial aid, and I hope more parties, particularly those in a position to help, will step forward,” Sim said in a Facebook post.
The high costs initially forced the parents to return to Malaysia to work and fund the expenses.
Sim added that the non-governmental organisation One Hope Charity has since sponsored the mother’s flight back to Japan.
This allows the baby to continue receiving care and a supply of breast milk.
Members of the public wishing to contribute can do so via the official One Hope Charity website or its contact numbers. – Bernama
