Sebastian Ting calls for more donations for two cochlear impaired children

suppadmin | March 30, 2026

Within a week of launching a fundraising campaign to support two hearing impaired children in need of cochlear implant surgery, a total of RM47,550 has been raised so far.

Despite the encouraging response, the amount remains significantly short of the RM200,000 target, highlighting the need for continued public support.

The two children, five year old Flora Lee Kai Shuan and three year old Andy Harrison, urgently require the procedure and are racing against time to secure sufficient funds to restore their hearing.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, who also chairs the Miri Cochlear Implant Association, said the contributions received so far reflect public compassion, but more needs to be done.

“We are grateful for the donations collected to date, but the target has yet to be achieved. We hope more people will come forward to help give these children a chance to hear the world,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the total cost for both surgeries is estimated at RM250,000, of which RM50,000 has already been contributed by the association. The remaining RM200,000 must be raised through public donations.

“Although there has been positive progress, the gap is still substantial. We appeal for more support so that these children can move beyond a world of silence,” he said.

Ting stressed that cochlear implant surgery is especially crucial for young children, as early intervention significantly improves their chances of regaining hearing and enables them to participate in education and daily life.
“Any delay could have long term effects on their development,” he explained.

He also noted that the surgery dates have yet to be fixed, as arrangements can only be made once sufficient funds are secured, whether locally or at a suitable medical institution elsewhere.
Both children come from low income families who are unable to bear the high cost of treatment, making public assistance vital.

“Every contribution brings hope and a renewed opportunity for them to hear again,” he said.