Tokyo: Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim has donated RM50,000 to the family of Alexis Liang Xi Yue, a premature baby currently undergoing intensive care in Tokyo, Japan. Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, shared that Liang was born prematurely at 22 weeks, while her parents, Liang Chee Liang, 32, and Chan Luen Chiag, 29, were on their honeymoon in Japan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chan suffered severe bleeding upon arriving in Japan, and Liang was born prematurely before she could be taken to hospital. Liang remains too small and fragile to be flown home and is expected to return only after reaching the appropriate gestational age, likely after March 2026.

The estimated cost of Liang's medical treatment in Japan could reach RM1.5 million, placing a heavy financial burden on the young couple. Sim stated, "This RM50,000 donation is an initial aid, and I hope more parties, particularly those in a position to help, will step forward to ease the burden on the family."

The high cost of accommodation and daily expenses in Japan initially forced Liang's parents to return to Malaysia to work and support the family's needs. Understanding the difficulties faced by the family, Sim mentioned that One Hope Charity has sponsored Liang's mother's flight to Japan, allowing the baby to continue receiving care and a supply of breast milk throughout her treatment.