Sarawak govt to propose to Putrajaya relocation of Lundu Hospital, says Abg Johari

KUCHING (July 26): The Sarawak government will negotiate with the federal government to relocate Lundu Hospital to a new area where it can be equipped with better facilities.

In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he would also propose for the state government to fund the project first and the federal government will reimburse the state later.

“I will negotiate with the federal government as we did with our Cancer Centre, which took two years to persuade them to agree to the funding method.

“Due to the good cooperation between our government and the federal government, they agreed to the cancer centre.

“So, for this hospital, if the federal government agrees to this funding mechanism, we are ready to implement it and cooperate for the benefit of the people. It is their responsibility, so they must reimburse us,” he said in his officiating speech at the Regatta and Pesta Batang Kayan 2024 at Lundu Waterfront in Lundu today.

At the same event, Abang Johari agreed to the request by Tanjong Dato assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan for a village expansion scheme for Kampong Sileng Dayak, which is becoming increasingly populated.

Earlier, in his speech, Azizul highlighted the urgent need for Lundu Hospital, built in 1965, to have better facilities and be relocated to a new area.

“It would be appropriate to use the same mechanism employed for the cancer centre to develop Lundu Hospital,” he said.

He also mentioned that Kampung Sileng Dayak was becoming crowded due to the growing number of families and there was a need to expand the village.

“I hope the riverfront can be further upgraded and additional facilities added to create a new economic activity centre for Lundu residents, especially the youth.

“Furthermore, with the completion of the Rambungan Bridge, I believe the Sampadi-Rambungan Road will become a primary route alongside the Pan Borneo Highway.

“At the same time, we need assistance from the state government to develop the area along this road and build business facilities to boost the socio-economic development in the area,” he added.