The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting kidney health, providing support to individuals with kidney-related issues, and advocating for better kidney care in Malaysia.

Established with a vision to reduce the prevalence of kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those affected, NKF has been at the forefront of raising awareness, facilitating early detection, and offering comprehensive care for individuals with kidney conditions.

Vision and Mission

Vision

To lead in the promotion and enhancement of kidney health and in the management and treatment of kidney disease.

Mission

To be proactive in providing education, research and advocacy on all matters relating to kidney health and responding through engagement, support and sustainable quality treatment for those suffering from kidney disease.

Key Pillars

About the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) 

Subsidized Kidney Care and Services

The foundation offers range of quality and comprehensive kidney care and support services for individuals diagnosed with kidney disease. These include subsidized haemodialysis services, peritoneal dialysis training and support services, chronic kidney disease education, kidney dialysis and transplant financial assistance, and patient support programs to ensure positive patient health and quality-of-life outcomes.

All haemodialysis centres operated y NKF are not only licensed but also strictly adhere to standards set by the Ministry of Health. This ensures that every patient receives quality medical supervision and care in line with national health directives. Some of our centres have also achieved full accreditation by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH).

Early Detection and Prevention

Equipped with mobile screening buses and vans, NKF conducts health screening activities in community areas nationwide to detect kidney disease and its related risk factors early on. With these, NKF aims to tackle kidney disease and its risk factors early on to delay or prevent further disease progression. NKF conducts extensive educational programs to raise awareness about kidney health, risk factors, and preventive measures. These initiatives aim to empower individuals to make informed choices for a kidney-friendly lifestyle.

Advocacy and Innovation

NKF actively supports and promotes research focused on kidney diseases. By fostering innovation and advancements in kidney care, the foundation contributes to the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies and interventions.

NKF is dedicated to advocating for policies and practices that prioritize kidney health on a national scale. The foundation collaborates with healthcare institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to shape a kidney-friendly healthcare landscape.

Training and Capacity Building

NKF dedicated to sharing its expertise to enhance kidney care standards across Malaysia through activities such as conducting the Annual Dialysis Conference, Post-Basic Haemodialysis Nursing Course, offering the Dialysis Assistant Course, various clinical and health management courses as well as pursuing Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA) accreditation.

Get Involved

NKF encourages individuals, businesses, and healthcare professionals to join hands in the mission to prevent kidney diseases and support those affected. Whether through donations, volunteerism, or participation in awareness campaigns, everyone has a role to play in promoting kidney health.

Our Core Values

WE SERVE TOGETHER
We achieve our vision and missions together through joint efforts, teamwork, and collaboration.

WE LEAD BY EXAMPLE
We model the right example, engage, connect and inspire.

WE ACT WITH ACCOUNTABILITY
We are responsible for our actions, behaviours, and performance.

WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
We do our best, listen to feedback, learn from our mistakes, and continuously develop and grow to achieve the highest standard

WE COMMUNICATE OPENLY
We treat people with kindness and communicate timely, transparently, and respectfully through listening, empathy and understanding.

MOTTO

Giving Hope

Our Journey: The History of NKF Malaysia 

A Legacy of Compassion Since 1970 

The NKF was born out of a powerful story of public compassion and medical innovation. In 1966, the nation rallied around Harry Kydd—a young teacher battling end-stage kidney failure—whose story was brought to light by his uncle, a journalist, and Dr. S.S. Gill, a pioneering nephrologist. 

With public support, Malaysia’s first dialysis machine was flown in from the U.S., enabling Dr. Gill to provide life-saving treatment. Though Harry sadly passed away, his legacy sparked a national movement to improve care for patients with kidney failure. 

The Beginning of NKF 

In 1968, after hearing Dr. Gill’s experiences, the Rotary Club of Petaling Jaya committed to helping kidney patients in need. This led to the formal establishment of the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia on 16 January 1970, under the patronage of the Rotary Club and with the support of Malaysia’s then Minister of Health, Tan Sri Haji Sardon bin Haji Jubir, NKF’s first President. 

At our launch, over 200 business leaders, diplomats, and patients came together, united by a shared vision—to give Malaysians living with kidney disease a fighting chance. 

Leading the Way in Dialysis Care 

In 1993, NKF became Malaysia’s first non-governmental organization to establish and operate a dialysis centre for low-income patients. Located at Jalan Hang Lekiu, this model centre made affordable dialysis a reality for many. 

By offering subsidized treatments, NKF set a new standard in patient care. Today, we operate 32 dialysis centres nationwide, continuing to expand our reach to underserved communities across Malaysia. 

Strong Governance for Sustainable Growth 

With our rapid growth came the need for structured governance. Our first Board of Governors included respected leaders, medical experts, and civil servants—individuals who guided NKF’s development with transparency and accountability. 

In 1996, our efforts were officially recognized by the Malaysian government, which pledged RM25 million to support the creation of new centres and extended an invitation for government representation on our Board. 

Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

As a leading non-profit organisation in the field of kidney health, the NKF plays a pivotal role in supporting Malaysia’s healthcare system—particularly in ensuring continued access to dialysis treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Our work is deeply aligned with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

Through prevention, early detection, treatment, and continuous care, NKF works to reduce the burden of kidney disease and improve the quality of life for patients across the country. 

By prioritising the underserved, vulnerable, and low-income communities, NKF helps close gaps in healthcare access and outcomes.

NKF thrives on collaboration. We actively work alongside public and private healthcare providers, government bodies, corporations, community groups, and individuals to deliver impactful, sustainable health initiatives. 

 

NKF thrives on collaboration. We actively work alongside public and private healthcare providers, government bodies, corporations, community groups, and individuals to deliver impactful, sustainable health initiatives. NKF believes that multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential in tackling the growing burden of kidney disease. We remain open to working with all levels of stakeholders—from government ministries and corporate entities to grassroots organisations and volunteers—because we know that a collective approach is key to building a healthier, more resilient Malaysia.