Sarawak’s dedicated cancer hospital closer to reality with first technical committee meeting next week - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KUCHING (April 11): The first technical committee meeting for the construction of Sarawak’s dedicated cancer hospital is scheduled to take place next week, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He revealed that the long-awaited meeting will bring together the Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and relevant agencies, including the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia, which will be responsible for building the facility.

“Finally, the first technical committee is meeting. I happen to have a meeting with the Minister of Health next week on our cancer hospital. So at least we finally have a meeting,” he told reporters after launching Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Day Care Centre (DCC) foyer here today.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, stressed that having Sarawak’s own cancer hospital is a critical step to address the rising burden of cancer cases in the state, which recorded its highest ever cancer diagnoses last year with over 3,000 cases.

He pointed out that colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Sarawak, adding that early detection through awareness, screening, and preventive measures remains key to reducing fatalities.

“Of course, we want to build a cancer hospital in Sarawak, but it’s better that you can prevent it and diagnose it early. That’s why the doctors and nurses work so hard — because they love you, and they want to teach you about prevention,” he said.

In addition to discussing the hospital’s construction, Dr Sim said the technical meeting would likely address the impact of US tariffs, which may drive up healthcare costs in Malaysia, including insurance premiums, which is a growing concern for the public.

“Because this (tariff) issue falls under the authority of the Minister of Health in Kuala Lumpur, I don’t want to say anything that contradicts him without knowing all the facts. But next week, I’m very sure that although we are meeting for the cancer hospital, this topic will also be discussed.

“The cost of insurance is already going up. Everyone knows this, and no one is happy about it. But no insurance company can continue operating at a loss. That’s just the reality,” he said.

Dr Sim explained that many of the medicines, medical devices, and equipment used in Malaysia are imported, particularly from the United States, Europe, and increasingly, China — not due to lower cost, but because of improved quality and innovation.

“I wish we could have our equipment made locally in Sarawak. It would be really good, but at the moment, much of what we need comes from overseas,” he said.

Dr Sim also highlighted that healthcare remains the biggest expenditure for governments in developed countries, and Malaysia is no different.

He thanked the Ministry of Health Malaysia, non-governmental organisations, universities, and other stakeholders for supporting cancer awareness and screening efforts in the state.

He also urged the public to take their health seriously, undergo early screenings, and support healthcare workers who continue to serve tirelessly despite limited resources.

Among those present at the event were organising chairperson and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak senior lecturer and consultant colorectal surgeon Assoc Prof Dr Aini Fahriza Ibrahim and Sarawak General Hospital director Dr Ngian Hie Ung.