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By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, June 18: Twenty-one villages in Sarawak have been identified for this year’s Dental Adoption Village Programme hosted by the Ministry of Health (MoH).
Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the initiative, launched in 2019 at Negeri Sembilan, has been expanded to Sarawak since 2021 to provide dental healthcare to the rural community here.
“This initiative covers all communities, including the B40, especially those residing far from the dental healthcare facilities,” he said during the launch of the programme at Tuai Rumah (TR) Richard Pie Tugang longhouse in Bekenu today.
The longhouse was the fourth location for the programme in Miri after a longhouse in Long Laput, Baram; Rumah Nora Sungai Buri Bakong; and a village in Sibuti.
Besides providing free dental healthcare services to some 632 residents of the 53-door longhouse, the programme’s objective is to create awareness of the importance of dental care.
“Our teeth have a crucial role to play in our lives; they help us chew food, they help us to speak clearly, and they also give our face its shape.
“It gives us greater confidence and influences our social lives and relationships. Because of this, it only makes sense to give our oral health the best care possible.
“The Ministry of Health Malaysia is committed to providing healthcare facilities and helping and supporting the community through health programmes and activities,” he added.
At the programme, Lukanisman also announced an allocation worth RM10,000 to the longhouse.
Sarawak Health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck, Subis District Officer Norlila Ulis, Miri Divisional Health Officer Dr P Raviwharmman, and Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong were present. — DayakDaily
