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Kevin Lau Kor JieAdvertisement
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 3: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Youth Central chairman Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie has voiced serious concern over the federal Ministry of Finance’s directive to reduce RM3.06 billion in operational expenditure from the Ministry of Health, warning that the move could further strain Malaysia’s already burdened public healthcare system.
In a press statement, Lau said that while fiscal pressures amid global uncertainties are understood, the timing of the cut is worrying given ongoing shortages of doctors, nurses and essential resources nationwide.
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He cautioned that the reduction would inevitably place greater pressure on frontline healthcare workers, while also affecting patient care and the overall efficiency of healthcare services.
Highlighting Sarawak’s situation, Lau said the impact could be more severe in the State, where infrastructure challenges remain significant. He pointed out that an estimated 76 per cent of health clinics in Sarawak are in poor physical condition, while hospitals across the State require urgent upgrading and redevelopment.
“An estimated RM17 billion is needed to bring healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals, up to a satisfactory standard.
“Any reduction in operational expenditure under these circumstances risks further deterioration of already dilapidated infrastructure,” he said.
He added that such a move would ultimately affect the quality of care for Sarawakians, particularly those living in rural and remote areas.
Lau stressed the importance of thorough engagement between the federal Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health and the Sarawak government on the details and implementation of the expenditure cuts.
He noted that Sarawak has demonstrated strong commitment in supporting healthcare development, including advancing funds for the Sarawak Cancer Hospital, with reimbursement to be made later by the federal government.
In addition, he said the Sarawak government has agreed to finance RM500 million worth of medical equipment for the Sarawak Cancer Centre at the federal government’s request, contrasting it with a cancer hospital project in Kedah that is fully funded by Putrajaya.
Lau also echoed the call by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib for caution in implementing any reduction in national operating expenditure, urging that the matter be brought before Parliament for proper scrutiny.
“This will allow Members of Parliament to deliberate and act in the best interest of the rakyat,” he said.
Emphasising Sarawak’s unique healthcare challenges due to its vast geography and longstanding infrastructure gaps compared to Peninsular Malaysia, Lau reiterated the need for greater healthcare autonomy for the State.
He said empowering Sarawak to manage its own healthcare system would enable more responsive, efficient and locally tailored solutions to better serve its people. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·