Dr Sim: RM17 bln needed to improve Sarawak’s healthcare facilities

KUCHING (Nov 19): Sarawak requires RM17 billion to improve its healthcare facilities, with 76 per cent of its health clinics in poor condition, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

According to Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, out of 271 clinics, 206 — including 175 Klinik Kesihatan, 20 Klinik Komuniti, nine Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak and two Klinik Desa — need redevelopment at an estimated cost of RM7.84 billion.

“An additional RM9.24 billion is needed for hospital facility upgrades,” he told the State Legislative Assembly in his ministerial winding-up speech today, before giving few update on the health facilities across the state.

Among them, he added, the tender for Klinik Kesihatan Daro will be called in January next year, while Klinik Pergigian Daro’s procurement has been expedited via direct negotiation.

“Repairs to Klinik Kesihatan Nanga Sekeroh and Nanga Entawau were completed in 2023, with Nanga Melinau expected to finish in 2024.

“Klinik Kesihatan Nanga Gaat, Nanga Merirai, and Skim Tunoh will undergo improvements in 2025.

“Plans for a new 76-bed Lundu Hospital under RMK-13 (13th Malaysia Plan) Rolling Plan 3 are underway. Lundu Hospital’s electrical system was upgraded in July 2024 with RM5 million, while outpatient visits average 130–150 daily.

“To ease congestion at Bintulu Hospital, an additional block and a Klinik Kesihatan in Kidurong were approved under RMK-12 (12th Malaysia Plan) Rolling Plan 5.

“Mukah Hospital, operating at a 20.46 per cent bed occupancy rate, received RM490,000 for upgrades in 2024, with proposals for a new hospital under RMK-13.

“The new Klinik Kesihatan Biawak is part of a RM50-million federal initiative for dilapidated clinics, now in pre-implementation.

“Klinik Kesihatan Beladin is planning to add X-ray and haemodialysis units,” he said.

He also informed that the federal government allocated RM47.83 million this year for 50 health clinic projects, with RM40 million set for 2025 redevelopment.

Furthermore, he added, Sarawak and federal governments will jointly provide RM100 million for 12 critical projects.

“Under Regional Development Agencies, RM56 million was approved for projects including haemodialysis centres in Kabong, Spaoh and Beladin, and upgrades at Sri Aman Hospital.

“These initiatives are crucial for improving healthcare access for all Sarawakians,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said Sarawak is set to enhance its healthcare landscape with the construction of a state-of-the-art Cancer Centre, funded initially by the state government with RM1 billion to be reimbursed by the federal government, and preliminary works for the facility will begin in 2025 with an allocation of RM5 million.

He also said under the ‘Rintis’ initiative, RM12.8 million has been approved for upgrading Klinik Kesihatan Nanga Atoi and Nanga Ngungun, with one under construction and the other re-tendered.

“Efforts to expand cardiology services in Sarawak received a boost, with the Sarawak Heart Foundation raising RM2.25 million to set up a cardiology unit at Bintulu Hospital.

“The unit will feature both invasive and non-invasive laboratories and a Coronary Care Unit, with most funds allocated for equipment and software upgrades,” he added.

He also said Petra Jaya Hospital has reached 82.71 per cent completion as of October this year and is on track for an August 2025 launch, promising improved healthcare access for Sarawakians.