BINTULU: Sarawak Energy recently collaborated with the ROSE Foundation (Removing Obstacles to Cervical Screening) and the Community Hope Organisation of the Ulu Kuching People (PKHOUK) to organise a Cervical Screening and Awareness Campaign aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women in the Baleh community.
SEB stated that a total of 101 screenings were successfully conducted, with the main objective of the campaign being to reduce morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer by detecting precancerous lesions that can be treated before progressing to cancer.
Sarawak Energy also sponsored testing kits for women from the Baleh and Kapit communities, in addition to providing logistical support for patients undergoing medical assessment and treatment at government hospitals.
“The initiative received encouraging responses from the community, with screenings conducted at various locations, including Kapit Hospital, SMK Baleh, Nanga Entawau, and Nanga Entelawan,” it said through a statement on Thursday (May 2).
The percentage of participation in this encouraging campaign reflects the positive influence of the campaign in raising awareness and encouraging action for women’s health across the Baleh and Kapit communities.
To address the critical importance of early detection and prevention measures for cervical cancer, the programme introduced the PCR human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling method, which offers a more accessible and less invasive option for examination.
As part of Sarawak Energy’s commitment to ensuring the holistic wellbeing of the local communities around the Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP), the company engaged with its women’s community in 2023 and observed a significant hesitancy towards conventional HPV screening methods.
In response, Sarawak Energy organised HPV testing or self-sampling PCR HPV methods; critical examination tools for early detection of HPV, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer, to enable effective treatment.
Under the ROSE Programme, the ROSE Laboratory introduced self-swabbing techniques, enabling rapid results through digital health platforms and facilitating necessary treatment connections.
Senior Project Services Manager at Sarawak Energy, Sharina Bohari, stated that the collaborative efforts with ROSE and PKHOKU demonstrate Sarawak Energy’s commitment to supporting community wellbeing, including health, by raising awareness of the essential need for accessible health care in the Baleh community.
“This campaign is a call to action for the prevention of diseases, which is the third most prevalent cancer among women. By educating and enabling rural women to participate in cervical screenings, we not only improve health outcomes but also potentially save lives.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Manager of HEP Baleh Sarawak Energy, Tan Hang Kiak, stated that the company’s activities go beyond providing reliable and affordable renewable energy.
“We strive to improve the quality of life of the communities where we operate and actively address their specific needs.”
“Our partnerships with local communities directly support our mission to empower women and improve their quality of life.
“This initiative is evidence of our dedication to fostering sustainable development and underscores our belief in forming strategic partnerships that drive positive change.”
In addition to targeted health initiatives, Sarawak Energy also leads the Women Empowerment Programme in collaboration with the Sarawak Women’s Union (SWWS), in line with the community development plan of HEP Baleh.
Such cooperation emphasises the company’s multi-faceted approach to social responsibility and its dedication to improving community wellbeing, focusing on providing tools, knowledge, and awareness to women through workshops and lectures on health awareness, leadership skills, family development, and entrepreneurship.
The company’s initiative aims to empower women to become effective leaders and decision-makers in their communities.
Sarawak Energy extends the benefits of the Baleh HEP development to the surrounding communities as part of the good practices outlined in the Hydro Energy Sustainability Standard.
Furthermore, it aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Baleh Public Health Monitoring Plan, setting the stage for future health campaigns and showcasing a community-wide approach to improving health and wellbeing.
