Sarawak sends graduates to Murdoch University for vaccine research

SIBURAN (March 5): Sarawak is supporting research into vaccines including for rabies by sending graduates to pursue PhD studies at Murdoch University in Australia.

State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the initiative is part of a collaboration with the Australian government, allowing Sarawakian graduates to further their studies and conduct research in vaccine development.

“One of the objectives is to study, do research, and develop vaccines.

“Murdoch University is conducting research in Indonesia on rabies, and we want to contribute to that work as well,” he told reporters during the STEM Laboratory Equipment handover ceremony under the Gift of STEM Education 2025 programme at SK St Elizabeth Tijirak here.

Sagah added that research will not be limited to rabies, but will also cover other infectious diseases, including Covid-19.

The research efforts are complemented by ongoing health surveys conducted by the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre to better understand diseases affecting the population in the state.

“Preliminary surveys have been conducted in Bau, Padawan and Sri Aman, with plans to expand to other divisions including Kapit, Miri and Sibu.

“From the findings, tuberculosis has emerged as one of the diseases of concern in Sarawak,” he said.

He said the surveys would help authorities identify cases earlier so treatment can be carried out before the disease worsens.

Sagah also highlighted efforts to strengthen early detection programmes, including screening for women to detect cancer at an early stage.