KUCHING: Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira has urged for greater federal funding to improve healthcare services and infrastructure in Sarawak.
He expressed concern that the state’s healthcare system is falling behind its counterparts in West Malaysia, noting that numerous facilities are in dilapidated states and require urgent upgrades.
“We don’t know the exact amounts required, but what we do know is that healthcare in Sarawak needs substantial funding. Our health clinics and hospitals are in dilapidated conditions, and many of these facilities require urgent attention.
“It’s not just about population size; it’s about the geographic scale of our state, which demands more robust infrastructure. Everybody deserves the same level and quality,” he said.
He told the media this during a Deepavali celebration at his residence here, Thursday (Oct 31).
Dr Kalwinder’s remarks were made in response to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s call for over RM70 billion to accelerate the development of essential infrastructure, education, and healthcare across Sarawak to foster balanced economic growth.
Abang Johari stated that RM7.89 billion is needed specifically to build new healthcare facilities and to upgrade, repair, and maintain the current ones.
His statement, delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during a stakeholder engagement session for the 13th Malaysia Plan held at the Pullman Hotel here on Wednesday (Oct 30), outlined the challenges in Sarawak’s healthcare sector.
Currently, six hospitals, 208 health clinics, and 67 staff quarters across Sarawak require repairs, while two divisional pharmacy offices need replacement.
In addition, 206 clinics are classified as being in a dilapidated state and need immediate intervention to ensure healthcare accessibility and safety for all Sarawakians.
As such, Dr Kalwinder expressed his hope that funding for Sarawak’s healthcare infrastructure would be prioritised.
“The state needs and deserves the necessary funding to improve healthcare facilities, infrastructure, and overall services in Sarawak,” he added.
The Deepavali celebration at his residence was enlivened by the presence of Abang Johari, who arrived at 10am.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; and Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, who also serves as the Premier’s chief political secretary.
