BY NURA VALENTIANA LORNA & SAMUEL KARUNIA KORNO
SERIAN: Serian Division has recorded the highest score in the Sarawak Social Wellbeing Index (SSWI) Research 2023.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that Serian achieved a score of 7.48, surpassing the overall state score.
Serian excelled particularly in the fourth pillar of the state social transformation framework (SSTF), which is social harmony.
“Based on the research, Sarawak’s index is 7.18 out of 10, considered moderate.
“Among the 12 divisions in Sarawak, Serian recorded the highest index, even higher than the state average.
“This study indicates our strong social harmony. We aim to continue being a model state.”
Fatimah said this when officiating the presentation of hemodialysis machines under the Kidney Patient Assistance programme at Serian Hospital today (June 7).
She further noted that the division’s lowest score was in the tenth pillar — health and social protection — with an index of 6.85.
However, she asserted that this was a common issue across all divisions, especially in rural areas with many dilapidated clinics.
Therefore, she expressed hope that the Sarawak government would use its funds and later seek reimbursement from the federal government to upgrade these health facilities.
“Sarawak has already used its own funds to upgrade educational facilities, which fall under federal jurisdiction.
“We might consider using the same approach for our dilapidated rural clinics.
“If we can do this, I believe the score for the tenth pillar will improve in future studies,” she added.
Fatimah also praised health personnel for their dedication despite challenging working conditions.
“You remain resilient despite working in unconducive environments, such as dilapidated clinics, lacking equipment, broken machines, and high workloads.
“Without your resilience, those of us needing healthcare services would suffer,” she said.
Also present were Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) director representative Dr Ting Ming Ming, Serian Hospital deputy director Dr Carlos Jinung and others.
