Quality dialysis care extends lives of kidney patients in Miri, says minister

MIRI (Feb 7): Quality dialysis treatment has been shown to significantly extend the life expectancy of chronic kidney patients, particularly those receiving care at the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Miri Dialysis Centre.

State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin highlighted that the centre has maintained consistent excellence over the past three decades, with some patients having undergone dialysis for as long as 31 years and still remaining alive today — a testament to the high standard of care provided.

Speaking during the presentation of a haemodialysis machine to Miri Hospital today, organised by Sarawak Energy Berhad in collaboration with the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Sarawak (Sabati), he said the MRC Miri Dialysis Centre began operations 31 years ago with just 10 dialysis machines.

“At the time, we thought the machines would be sufficient for four or five years. However, within a year, the demand had increased significantly,” said the Senadin assemblyman.

Today, the centre has more than 100 dialysis machines, providing treatment to over 300 patients.

Lee added that, beyond service quality, the centre’s affordable charges have enabled kidney patients with chronic conditions to access dialysis care.

“Ninety per cent of patients receiving treatment at MRC Miri are subsidised.

“Despite rising operational costs, the centre has maintained its dialysis fee at RM150 per session since it began operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy senior vice-president for corporate services, Siti Aisah Adenan, said the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives focus on community development and entrepreneurship, aiming to create long-term value and improve quality of life.

“As Sarawak’s primary electricity provider, our main responsibility is to keep the lights on for Sarawak and support its sustainable socio-economic growth.

“Beyond this, we recognise our role as a responsible corporate citizen and are committed to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities where we operate,” he said.

The haemodialysis machine, valued at RM45,000, forms part of Sarawak Energy’s RM225,000 contribution to Sabati for the procurement of machines for hospitals across Sarawak.

Also present were Lee’s wife Datin Sri Christina Kong; Datin Esther Mujan Balan, wife of Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala; Datin Siti Shorgayah Ahmad Zaidin, wife of Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Rita Lau, wife of Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii; and Datin Debbie Irang, wife of Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau.