Dr Sim: Sarawak strengthens healthcare system to ensure inclusivity, unity, and equal access

SIBU (Jan 29): Sarawak is strengthening its healthcare system as part of a broader development agenda that prioritises inclusivity, unity, and equal access to essential services for all communities, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said rising medical costs and the increasing burden of complex diseases such as cancer have compelled the state government to invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure facilities and manpower across Sarawak – not only in major urban centres.

“Cancer treatment can cost up to half a million to RM1 million. Illness does not choose race or religion,” he said during a walkabout at Taman Selera Muhibah here in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year.

“That is why the state is willing to invest heavily, including building specialised hospitals and expanding facilities beyond Kuching,” said the State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government.

Dr Sim revealed that Sibu Hospital has recently received its second cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine – only the second of its kind in Sarawak – made possible through contributions from non-governmental organisations.

“This is just the beginning. Once we establish strong centres in Kuching, we will expand through satellite centres so that people outside urban areas can also receive quality care,” he said.

He added that Sarawak’s long-term goal is to progressively strengthen its capacity to manage its own healthcare system, particularly in addressing the needs of the elderly and those requiring specialised treatment.

“With continued investment, talent development and unity, Sarawak will be significantly more advanced by 2030,” he said, adding that a large portion of the state budget has been deliberately channelled to areas outside major towns to ensure inclusivity and that no one is left behind.

Looking ahead, Dr Sim emphasised that being ‘smart’ is key to sustainable nation-building.

“We want the next generation to be smarter than me, smarter than the Premier.

“As our budget grows, we need capable and educated people to sustain development,” he said, noting Sarawak’s strong emphasis on free education and skills training.

“In the past, people begged for scholarships. Now, we are begging young people to go and study. That is a whole new way of doing things.”

On social cohesion, Dr Sim said festive celebrations in Sarawak are never confined to a single community but are shared by all, reflecting the state’s unique multicultural identity.

“Chinese New Year is not just for the Chinese community. In Sarawak, everyone celebrates together.

“When you walk around, you see Malay, Iban and Chinese stalls next to each other. This is why even Malay stall operators receive angpows.

“That is Sarawak – open houses are truly open, where anyone can drop by without barriers. This is the best of Sarawak.”

Also present were his deputy minister Datuk Michael Tiang, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting, and SUPP Central Youth chief Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie.