Old, overstretched and under-equipped: Tanjong Bijat clinic cries out for urgent upgrade

Datuk Mong Dagang debating the Motion of Thanks on TYT Address at Sarawak Legislative Assembly on May 15, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 15: Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang has urged the relevant ministry to urgently upgrade the Tanjong Bijat Health Clinic, describing it as an ageing facility that is now overstretched and under-equipped despite continuing to serve hundreds of patients each month.

Debating the Governor’s Address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, he said the clinic which was built in 1979 and officially opened on April 30, 1980, has now reached more than 46 years in operation and is long overdue for major upgrading works.

Despite its ageing condition, the clinic continues to function with strong commitment from 11 healthcare personnel led by a doctor, serving an average of 700 to 800 patients monthly.

He said the facility caters to residents from 67 longhouses as well as surrounding Malay villages in the Gran Stumbin area, delivering essential services including outpatient treatment, non-communicable disease (NCD) screening, maternal and child health services, elderly care, mental health support and community health programmes.

“However, the clinic’s infrastructure is now in a critical state. The wooden clinic building is already old and deteriorating, with structural damage that could affect the safety of both staff and patients,” he pointed out.

He further said that the staff quarters are also in poor condition and no longer suitable for occupation, particularly for healthcare workers on standby duty or handling emergency cases.

Datuk Mong also highlighted several other pressing issues, including a damaged perimeter fence that raises security concerns, limited parking space unable to cope with patient volume, and frequent water supply disruptions affecting daily operations.

One of the most serious concerns raised was the lack of an ambulance at the facility.

“The most worrying issue is the absence of an ambulance to transport patients to Sri Aman Hospital in emergencies or cases requiring further treatment. Every clinic should be equipped with at least one ambulance,” he added.

Mong urged the ministry to prioritise immediate funding to upgrade the clinic, including rebuilding or reinforcing the main structure, improving staff accommodation, resolving utility issues, enhancing security features, and providing an ambulance.

He also said the clinic management has repeatedly raised these concerns and submitted formal requests, but is still awaiting responses from the relevant authorities.

“I hope the relevant ministry can take immediate action and update us on what has been done to resolve these issues,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily