Deputy Premier calls for focus on child health, safety at inaugural conference

SIBU (Oct 4): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called upon healthcare professionals to discuss and solve issues related to child safety and protection.

In this regard, Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, hoped that as society progresses, such issues could be reduced.

“Paediatric issues are crucial but very broad. For example, we are dealing with the issue of overweight children, as well as eye-related issues caused by constant smartphone usage among the youth.

“At every stage of nation development, there are a variety of issues detected,” he said in his opening speech at the inaugural Malaysian Conference on Paediatrics and Child Health (M-CPaCH) 2024 at Kingwood Hotel here today.

He added that one of the three pillars in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 is inclusivity, and children are an essential part of it.

“There is no question that a child’s health is beyond paediatric disease; the matter requires the help of the ministry,” he said.

During the event, Dr Sim presented a cheque of RM25,000 in support of the conference.

Also present were event co-organisers Dr Zainah Shaikh Hedra and Prof Dr Toh Teck Hock, as well as Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun.