By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 3: The newly opened Anjung Kasih at Bintulu Hospital is set to become the benchmark for future facilities in Sarawak, with plans already underway for an eight-storey Anjung Kasih opposite Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says.
Speaking at the opening of Anjung Kasih at Bintulu Hospital today, he said the Kuching project would preserve the façade of the former nurses’ quarters, a heritage building, while a new eight-storey block would be constructed behind it to provide temporary accommodation for families accompanying loved ones receiving treatment at the hospital.
According to him, the Kuching project would continue an initiative started by his late wife to ease the burden on families travelling from across Sarawak for medical treatment.
“Insya-Allah, we will build an Anjung Kasih in Kuching together with SABATI. My late wife started this project for Hospital Kuching.
“We will preserve the façade of the former nurses’ training quarters because it is a heritage building. Behind it, we will construct an eight-storey building to make it easier for patients’ families to stay while supporting their loved ones receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.
The Premier said the Anjung Kasih concept could eventually be expanded to other parts of Sarawak where similar accommodation is needed.
He noted that many patients receiving treatment at major hospitals travel from rural areas, with family members often accompanying them to provide emotional support despite facing the high cost of hotel accommodation.
“When someone is hospitalised, family members usually accompany them to provide encouragement and emotional support. However, many of them have nowhere to stay, and hotels can be expensive. That is why we established Anjung Kasih,” he said.
Abang Johari also praised Anjung Kasih Bintulu for becoming the first facility in Sarawak to implement a digital accommodation management system, describing it as a model for future centres statewide.
“Once everything is recorded digitally, you can maintain proper records.
“I hope Kuching will follow suit. It becomes much easier to manage records and provide better services to families staying at Anjung Kasih,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, he commended Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) for fully funding the construction of Anjung Kasih at Bintulu Hospital, describing the contribution as an example of how the corporate sector could complement the State government’s social welfare efforts.
He also acknowledged Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri for expanding the Anjung Kasih initiative in Sarawak, noting that four such facilities have already been established across the State.
“Kalau ada lagi, tambah lagi lah untuk tempat lain,” he quipped, encouraging more corporations to support similar initiatives. — DayakDaily
