2,000 Dayak, Orang Ulu SGH staff backbone of Sarawak healthcare system

Snowdan (fourth right) leading and calling out a toast with all the guests on the stage at the Ngiling Tikai Gawai Dayak celebration organised by the Dayak Staff Association of SGH at a restaurant in Kuching on June 26, 2026.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, June 27: About 2,000 Dayak and Orang Ulu staff serving at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) have been described as a vital backbone of Sarawak’s healthcare delivery system, with their cultural and linguistic strengths playing a key role in improving patient care, especially for rural communities.

Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the large number of Dayak and Orang Ulu healthcare workers at SGH reflects their significant contribution to the region’s medical system, where their ability to communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds enhances both understanding and treatment outcomes.

He said their roles go beyond technical duties, as healthcare professionals carry a noble responsibility that demands commitment, integrity and compassion.

“You understand your role. The primary duty of a medical professional is to save lives. Your profession is noble, and you must carry out your duties with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose,” he said during the Ngiling Tikai Gawai Dayak celebration hosted by the Dayak Staff Association of Sarawak General Hospital (PKDHUS) last night (June 26).

Snowdan also highlighted the importance of unity and teamwork among healthcare staff, urging Dayak employees to uphold the Iban values of “begulai sejalai” (unity) and “sepanemu” (shared understanding), which foster stronger collaboration in delivering quality care.

He stressed that health and education remain the two fundamental pillars of a meaningful life and should be developed in balance.

“One may have many degrees, but what is most important is living a long and healthy life. At the same time, having good health without knowledge is also not balanced,” he said.

Snowdan further emphasised the need to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure, noting that improved clinics and facilities are essential to bridge the gap in access to medical services for rural communities.

“Better healthcare facilities are vital in rural areas. This shows how important healthcare services are to our people, especially those living in the rural setting,” he said.

He also announced an allocation of RM20,000 to PKDHUS to support its annual activities.

Also present were SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung and PKDHUS chairman Vinnie Anderson Saim. — DayakDaily