Heart disease still leading health threat in Sarawak, says Dr Sim

KUCHING (Feb 7): Heart disease still ranks as one of the most prevalent diseases in Sarawak, prompting the state government to intensify public awareness and preventive efforts, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said this in his opening address at the Heart Health 2026 programme held at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall in Batu Kawa here.

“The Sarawak Heart Foundation wants to focus on public awareness because despite all the programmes and improved facilities we have, heart disease is still the number one disease in the state,” he said.

The State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government also highlighted that the Sarawak Heart Centre has gained significant recognition at the regional level.

“We are proud that our heart centre is the only heart centre under the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Malaysia to be ranked among the top 10 in the Asia Pacific region.

“But without prevention, many people may not even realise that our heart centre is as good as those in Australia and Singapore. We have the facilities, but we do not want to see more and more patients.

“We are doing this public awareness programme because we care and we want you to be healthy,” he said.

In line with the state’s broader development agenda, he also emphasised the importance of digital integration and financial empowerment.

“Among the booths featured at the programme is Sarawak Pay, the state’s digital payment platform, which is integrated with various state government initiatives, including the RM1,200 special aid (for Sarawakian students at higher learning institutions),” he said.

Beyond healthcare, he said the state government continues to invest in infrastructure and development initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for the younger generation.

“Efforts such as the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) are crucial to ensuring that young Sarawakians can sustain progress and contribute meaningfully to the state’s growth,” he said.

At the same time, he cautioned about the rising number of scam cases, urging young people to be more vigilant and digitally savvy.

“Nowadays, there are many scam cases. Our younger generation must be smarter and more careful,” he said, adding that financial literacy and awareness are equally important as economic development.

The programme on Saturday focused on public education, health screenings and community engagement, featuring services such as Kenyalang Gold Card registration, blood donation by Borneo Medical Centre, and physiotherapy assessments by the Sarawak Heart Centre.