Along winding mountain roads, far from the city’s hustle, Tzu Chi volunteers arrived at Taman Sinar Harapan Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB), a care home for people with intellectual and physical disabilities nestled on a hillside in Selangor, Malaysia. This tranquil place, filled with greenery and the scent of earth, received a surge of warm and vibrant energy with the arrival of volunteers.

Improving living conditions

On the morning of July 15, 2025, 250 volunteers, including members of Tzu Shao (Tzu Chi Teenagers’ Class) and students from Tzu Chi University, gathered to deliver essential improvements to the care home. They brought 40 stainless steel hospital beds, 32 waterproof mattresses, 49 waterproof pillows, acrylic boards, bed sheets, and pillowcases. This delivery aimed to enhance the comfort and well-being of the residents.

Yap Siaw Ngo (葉曉娥), the coordinator, explained the urgent need for the new beds. “Every time we came to serve, we saw residents lying on rusty iron beds, some even without mattresses. It was truly heartbreaking.” Volunteers learned that some residents, due to their mental conditions, would consume the cotton stuffing from mattresses, leading the home to remove them entirely. The old iron beds were also severely rusted, posing hygiene and safety risks.

To address these challenges, the Tzu Chi team devised an innovative solution. “Since traditional mattresses couldn’t be used, we thought of replacing them with moisture-resistant and durable acrylic boards,” Siew Nga explained. The home’s staff welcomed this suggestion. After a thorough search, 40 all-steel beds were successfully ordered from mainland China and shipped to Malaysia. “All the beds arrived unassembled, sealed in cartons. Everyone is here today to help assemble them!” Yap shared with a smile.

This initiative marks the 29th year of Tzu Chi’s continuous care for Taman Sinar Harapan Kuala Kubu Bharu, with volunteers providing long-term support since 1996.

A partnership built on trust

The care home’s new director, Kamsiah Bt Hussan, has fostered a close collaboration with the Tzu Chi team. “The director has excellent interactions with Tzu Chi. She not only participates in our Hari Raya Aidilfitri distributions and Year-end Blessing Ceremonies but also brings her staff and family to join the activities,” Yap noted. This strong relationship has deepened the volunteers’ commitment. On the day of the event, the newly assembled beds were immediately moved into the wards, a testament to the efficient cooperation between the volunteers and the home.

Taman Sinar Harapan Kuala Kubu Bharu cares for nearly 200 individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities and faces a constant shortage of equipment. Director Kamsiah admitted that basic facilities like beds, mattresses, and pillows were in short supply, often forcing residents to share beds.

“We have many residents, and each needs a bed, but there aren’t enough, so some have to share,” she explained. Witnessing Tzu Chi’s donation and installation of 40 brand-new stainless steel hospital beds deeply moved her. “This is the first time we have received such large-scale support.”

Kamsiah emphasized that these stainless steel beds are not only sufficient in number but also durable and safe, far superior to the ordinary iron beds they typically received. “These beds are really sturdy and won’t break easily. Previously, beds would need repairs or even be discarded after a short period. Now, with these new beds, residents can rest more securely, and we can provide care with greater peace of mind.” She added that while other organizations usually donated around ten beds, Tzu Chi’s generous donation significantly alleviated the current bed shortage.

Recalling the long-standing relationship, Kamsiah gratefully shared, “I know Tzu Chi has been serving here for many years, regularly visiting residents, helping with bathing and cleaning, and even caring for the needs of our staff. These services have greatly reduced our stress.”

Youthful engagement and empathy

This large-scale bed installation not only improved the home’s facilities but also provided a profound learning experience for many young participants. Cheng Pak Lam (鄭柏檸), a Tzu Ching youth volunteer from the Eastern District, traveled from Kuala Lumpur with his mother and younger brother. Despite the long drive, his initial anxiety gave way to a sense of purpose as the activity progressed.

He recalled, “When we first entered the home, the volunteers sang to the residents, and they responded with great enthusiasm and encouragement. Even without verbal communication, we could feel their joy.”

Through activities like nail clipping, hair cutting, feeding, and interaction, Cheng deeply appreciated the preciousness of health and developed a stronger sense of responsibility. “Not everyone has a healthy body like us. These experiences made me want to spread love and help more people. Especially when I was feeding a resident, he accidentally splashed milk on me, but I naturally accepted it because he is also a person worthy of respect.” This experience also prompted him to reflect on how to treat his aging parents and approach all those in need of care with empathy.

Woon Wei Sen (溫偉森), a Tzu Shao teen volunteer, also participated in the care service for the first time. He admitted to being nervous upon arrival, having learned that the institution cared for people with disabilities. However, direct interaction showed him that despite their physical or mental limitations, each resident strived to live their life.

Woon helped with moving the beds and learned to approach each resident with a calm mind. “They are also people and should not be viewed differently. I chose to help them with a sincere heart,” he said.

Cross-border learning and compassion

Tzu Chi University students from Taiwan also contributed significantly. Liu Po-Tsung (劉柏宗), a medical student pursuing a master's degree in biomedical sciences, joined the activity with Assistant Professor Yang Zi-Qing (楊子慶).

Liu assisted bedridden residents with bathing and conversation, and participated in changing beds. A volunteer’s remark deeply touched him: “They might be bedridden for their entire lives, while we can move and speak freely…” This statement prompted reflection and a reminder to always be grateful.

Assistant Professor Yang Zi-Qing from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Tzu Chi University led students to Malaysia for a month-long “Science Camp.” During a break, he arranged for them to participate in this care service in Kuala Kubu Bharu. This allowed students to engage with society and understand the meaning of “realizing, cherishing and cultivating blessings.”

Yang admitted that despite mental preparation, he was shocked by the conditions: long-term bedridden residents, broken, rusty, and immobile beds. “The rooms were damp, the equipment was old, and some beds even needed to be propped up with bricks, posing many potential risks.” He praised Tzu Chi for providing safer and more comfortable resting spaces.

A future illuminated by compassion

This care initiative, centered around 40 stainless steel beds, brought not only improved facilities but also fostered a profound sense of human connection and spiritual growth. From the coordinator’s dedication to the volunteers’ hands-on efforts, and the young generation’s journey from initial apprehension to selfless service and respect for life – every action demonstrated compassion and care. The residents of Taman Sinar Harapan Kuala Kubu Bharu received tangible comfort and dignity, while the volunteers, especially the youth, gained invaluable lessons in empathy and the joy of giving. This collective effort illuminated a future where kindness and mutual support continue to thrive.

Written by Lee Chee Kit (李智傑)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)