Only one mobile dental unit for Sarawak ‘extremely unfair’, says Dr Sim

KUCHING (Jan 31): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has expressed disappointment over the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) allocation of mobile dental units, which he believes has resulted in unequal access to dental services between states.

Dr Sim, who is also the State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said Sabah was allocated three mobile dental units while Perlis received one.

“Sarawak is assigned just one mobile dental unit, this is extremely unfair. Perlis, with its relatively smaller land size, one unit would be sufficient to cover it all,” he said.

“Given Sarawak’s landmass and how scattered our population is, one unit for us is not even enough to serve Kuching alone, not to mention the entire state,” he pointed out.

Dr Sim was speaking at the Dato Tan Guek Kee and Datin Lee Siew Ling Charity Foundation’s annual charity event held at a restaurant here.

He said the issue was deliberated during a recent dialogue with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Despite the setback, Dr Sim said Sarawak will continue to bid for more medical-related resources during the next roundtable meeting with the federal government.

The minister was however glad to note that there were non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sarawak taking the initiative to offer medical care and services for the various communities across the state.

Among the notable initiatives was the establishment of a palliative care centre, believed to be the first of its kind initiated by an NGO in Sarawak.

“This goes to prove that Sarawak can achieve things that may not have been achieved by Malaysia,” he said.

Dr Sim extended his appreciation to the NGOs and community-based organisations that have devoted themselves to charitable services in preserving a caring society.

He expressed hope that more organisations and individuals would come forward to help maintain and transform Sarawak into a more advanced and compassionate state.

He also lauded the Dato Tan Guek Kee and Datin Lee Siew Ling Charity Foundation for its long-standing commitment to charitable services.

“Since its inauguration in 2010, the foundation has gradually become more established, especially from 2013 onwards.

“Apart from reaching out to the underprivileged, it also provides assistance to educational bodies,” he said.

Dr Sim noted that Sarawak still has a long way to go in terms of development.

“While many may deem Sarawak as ‘wealthy’, the state continues to face major challenges in securing funds for development, particularly in education, human capital, social welfare and infrastructure,” he said.

He added that this was why close collaboration between the government, NGOs and various foundations is crucial to promote and enhance social well-being.