Five specialist posts approved for Lawas Hospital, but only one filled so far, says Dr Sim

KUCHING (Dec 3): Five specialist posts have been approved for Lawas Hospital, which is expected to be completed and operational in the second half of next year, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

However, the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister revealed only the position for physician has been filled.

“Currently, there are five approved specialist posts for Hospital Lawas — one physician, one surgeon, one obstetrics and gynaecology specialist, one paediatric specialist, and one anaesthesiologist,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

On the Ba Kelalan clinic, Dr Sim said the federal government has approved the construction of a new replacement clinic at the existing site under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) RP5 (Border Development), with a total allocation of RM14.8 million.

For the Long Semadoh clinic, which has been approved under 12MP RP4, there is an allocation of RM4 million for the installation of a hybrid solar system, along with an additional RM200,000 under BP7 for the construction of perimeter fencing.

The Tang Lapadan clinic has received RM800,000 for repair and upgrading works under the 2023 Dilapidated Clinic Project, while the Tunoh Health Clinic Scheme has been allocated RM990,000 under Daif 2025 (Bitara Madani) for upgrading and repair works for the Sungai Tunoh health clinic and its staff quarters.

“Additionally, the clinic is scheduled to receive RM500,000 in 2026 for the installation of a hybrid solar system, which will significantly improve energy stability and reduce reliance on diesel generators,” said Dr Sim.

On clinic vehicles, the Deputy Premier said the Ministry of Health is in the process of procuring 69 ambulances for Sarawak under a centralised tender issued last year, although the process is facing several technical issues.