MBKS to bring health screenings to schools, low-income communities

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, July 12: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) plans to expand its community health screening programme to schools and low-income communities as part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare and detect chronic illnesses early.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the council aims to raise health awareness among students, teachers and parents while also strengthening outreach to vulnerable groups, following recent discussions on healthcare access for the urban poor.

Speaking to reporters during the Health Screening Programme organised by Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) at the Bintawa Heng Ann Thian Miau Temple today, Wee said many people are living with chronic illnesses without realising it because conditions such as diabetes and hypertension often develop without obvious symptoms.

“A lot of diseases do not come with symptoms. People may not realise they have diabetes until complications arise, while hypertension is often mistaken for a simple headache,” he said.

The health screening campaign began two months ago at MBKS headquarters before expanding to Kenyalang Park Market.

Today’s programme marked its third stop, with future screenings planned for the Song Kheng Hai flats and other communities across Kuching South.

At the same event, the first 400 participants who completed their health screenings each received a complimentary 5kg bag of rice sponsored by the Federation of Buddhist Associations of Sarawak and Tay Motor.

Wee said MBKS hopes to organise as many community health screening programmes as possible, subject to the availability of medical personnel and participating healthcare providers.

He also welcomed the growing support from healthcare institutions and community organisations, including BMC, specialist medical centres, the Diabetes Association and retired doctors, saying the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving public health.

“This shows we have built a caring society where everyone feels they have a role to play in contributing to the community,” he said.

Wee stressed that the initiative is not merely about conducting health checks but also about encouraging people to take charge of their health through early detection and preventive care.

“Without a healthy body and healthy mind, we cannot expect our society or country to continue progressing.

“We want people to understand the importance of looking after their health before problems arise,” he added. — DayakDaily

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