Decision on Petra Jaya Hospital opening this year depends on JKR, says S’wak Health Dept director

SIBURAN (Jan 15): The decision on whether the Petra Jaya Hospital, which is currently at 82 per cent completed, can open this year ultimately rests with the Public Works Department (JKR), said Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah.

While there is hope the hospital can open this year, she stressed that the final decision lies with the technical authorities.

“We hope (for it to open this year), but we know that the technical agency is JKR Malaysia. So we hope with good cooperation from the contractor, we can open it, but we depend on the technical department, JKR,” she told reporters after the opening of Klinik Kesihatan Serian and Klinik Kesihatan Siburan here.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the hospital project remains under close attention, and ongoing discussions are being held to address current constraints.

“This is under my attention and we will make the appropriate decision. We are also discussing this matter,” he said.

Dr Dzulkefly declined to predict whether the hospital would be operational this year.

“I do not want to make any predictions. If I had my way, I would want it completed yesterday. This is already my second visit. I remember back in 2018, I had taken action against the contractor,” he said.

He added that while he remains confident in the contractor’s ability to deliver, further discussions are needed to ensure adequate support is provided.

“I am confident this contractor has the credibility to deliver. We just need to discuss a bit more how to ensure they are given all the support for them to deliver. That is what is important for us. The people are waiting,” he said.