Sarawak General Hospital launches first-of-its-kind ‘Bilik Kasih Wanita’ for female nurses

KUCHING (Nov 2): Sarawak has become the first state to establish a ‘Bilik Kasih Wanita’ – a dedicated rest area for female nurses at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that this initiative provides additional support for female nurses needing a special space to rest while on duty.

“This is a new initiative and the first of its kind in Malaysia. We thank our sponsor, Perinsuran Brokar, for their contribution of RM76,300 to this project.

“The Bilik Kasih Wanita will start with being available in three wards namely the maternity ward, women’s medical ward, and men’s medical ward, with plans to expand further as needed and as sponsorship allows,” she said.

She was speaking at a press conference after the ‘Majlis Serahan Tajaan Rakan Strategik Yayasan Kebajikan Negara Malaysia bagi Anjung Kasih dan Bilik Kasih Wanita’ at SGH here today.

Earlier in her officiating speech, Nancy highlighted that the facility is equipped with various amenities to ensure comfort and privacy for pregnant nurses and mothers needing to express milk, all while managing household and child-rearing responsibilities.

She emphasised that a comfortable rest area will help nurses manage fatigue, enabling them to provide the best possible service and reduce errors due to exhaustion.

She expressed hope that other states will be inspired to establish similar facilities in their hospitals with the help of strategic partners.

Regarding plans for a second Anjung Kasih at SGH, she said that it is still in the planning stages, with fundraising underway to make it a reality.

“We already have an Anjung Kasih, but it is insufficient due to varying needs at each location.
“In Kuching, some residents I interviewed had been there for three months, coming from as far as Miri and Kabong.

“Therefore, we are doing our best to provide this service to support families or relatives of our patients in Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu,” said Nancy.

During the event, Yayasan Amanah Raya also handed out a sponsorship of RM250,000 for replacing amenities such as beds, mattresses, pillows, cabinets, and basic necessities for residents at SGH’s Anjung Kasih.

Additionally, Yayasan Kebajikan Negara introduced a new feature by creating a ‘Bilik Kasih Keluarga’ for Anjung Kasih, funded by RM52,500 from Alliance Islamic Bank Berhad.

Also present were SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung, Amanah Raya Berhad managing director Ahmad Feizal Sulaiman Khan, and CEO of Perinsuran Brokar Sdn Bhd Siti Rafidah Tan Sri Adenan.