GERIK, 14 August 2026 – Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has taken its healthcare mission beyond the hospital through Jelajah Merdeka IJN: Gerik–Royal Belum, bringing health screenings, education and community assistance to residents across Gerik, Pengkalan Hulu and remote Orang Asli settlements in Royal Belum, Perak. The four-day outreach programme brought together 40 IJN personnel from different professional backgrounds, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to making preventive healthcare more accessible to communities beyond major healthcare centres.

The programme began at SMK Gerik with IJN’s Catch ’Em Young initiative, which introduced Form Four and Form Five students to career and educational opportunities in the healthcare sector. Representatives from IJN and IJN University College shared insights into various pathways, covering clinical, technical and healthcare-supporting professions. IJN also upgraded the school’s sick bay, providing students and staff with a more suitable facility for first aid and basic healthcare needs.

As part of the initiative, IJN conducted a Heartsaver CPR AED training session for the Hulu Perak District Education Office. A total of 23 officers received training based on the American Heart Association curriculum, equipping them with essential skills to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) during cardiac emergencies.


The outreach continued in Pengkalan Hulu on 15 August 2026, where IJN collaborated with KEMAS Pengkalan Hulu to conduct heart health screenings for the local community. Nearly 300 people underwent health assessments, providing an opportunity for residents to gain greater awareness of their cardiovascular health while supporting IJN’s broader focus on early detection and preventive care.

The team then travelled into the remote areas of Royal Belum to reach three Orang Asli communities — Kampung Kelewang, Kampung Sungai Tiang and Pulau Lipat Sanggul. Getting to these settlements required medical personnel, equipment and supplies to be transported by boat across the lake before the team continued on foot through challenging terrain.

At the villages, IJN’s medical team carried out basic health and cardiac assessments, including blood pressure checks, echocardiograms and electrocardiograms (ECGs), alongside other essential health screenings. Residents also received health education and advice, while individuals requiring further medical attention were identified for potential follow-up care.


Beyond medical assistance, IJN and its volunteers distributed food and household essentials to families, as well as toys, games and other items for children. The programme also received support from RHB, IJN’s community outreach partner, whose team installed solar-powered lights at a communal shelter to provide villagers with a practical and sustainable source of lighting.

Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer of IJN, emphasised that access to healthcare should not be limited by distance, geography or circumstances. He highlighted the dedication of the 40 IJN personnel who volunteered their time to serve the communities, noting that the initiative reflects IJN’s responsibility to promote prevention and health awareness beyond its hospital setting.

The outreach programme also underlines IJN’s view that meaningful corporate social responsibility should create lasting benefits rather than focus solely on one-off donations. By combining health screenings, education, skills training and targeted community support, Jelajah Merdeka IJN aims to leave communities healthier, safer and better informed.

Jelajah Merdeka IJN forms part of the institute’s wider community outreach efforts focused on preventive healthcare, health equity and support for underserved communities. Through continued partnerships with organisations such as RHB, IJN is expanding access to health education, early screening and community assistance across Malaysia.