S’wak allocates RM4 mln for kidney patient aid as dialysis cases rise Statewide

Sarawak continues to strengthen support for kidney patients through financial aid and expanded dialysis facilities as more than 4,800 patients undergo treatment Statewide. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 9: Sarawak has allocated RM4 million this year under its Kidney Patient Assistance Programme as the State continues recording between 700 and 800 new kidney disease cases annually.

According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said more than 4,800 patients are currently undergoing dialysis treatment across Sarawak, reflecting the growing burden of chronic kidney disease in the State.

He said the allocation is intended to help reduce treatment costs for end-stage kidney disease patients, particularly among low- and middle-income groups.

“The Sarawak government remains committed to developing a more comprehensive, accessible and quality healthcare ecosystem to reduce the burden faced by chronic kidney disease patients in the State,” he said.

His speech text was delivered by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee during the Sarawak-level World Kidney Day 2026 celebration and Kidney Charity Run at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) today.

Dr Sim said chronic kidney disease has become one of the country’s major public health challenges, with prevalence increasing from 9.07 per cent in 2011 to 15.48 per cent in 2018.

“This means nearly one in six Malaysian adults may be living with kidney disease without realising it,” he said.

Apart from financial assistance, he said the Sarawak government has continued supporting Federal hospitals through the provision of treatment facilities and equipment, including more than 30 hemodialysis machines worth RM1.2 million under the Special Kidney Patient Assistance initiative.

Additional hemodialysis machines are also expected to be distributed this year to hospitals in Miri, Bintulu, Mukah and Sarikei to improve treatment access statewide.

Meanwhile, the World Kidney Day 2026 programme organised by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) in collaboration with the UNIMAS Health Centre drew 250 participants for a five-kilometre charity run.

The programme was held in conjunction with this year’s global theme, “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet”, aimed at promoting early detection and prevention of kidney disease. — DayakDaily