By Ling Hui & Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 9: The Federal government has officially approved the establishment of the Sarawak Cancer Centre in Kota Samarahan, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“I just got the news today. I was informed that the Federal government has agreed for us to set up our cancer centre,” he said.
He said the Sarawak government would proceed with the construction, which costs over a billion ringgit, using funds from the State coffers, and the Federal government would reimburse the amount as welfare assistance later.
Abang Johari said once Sarawak has its own cancer centre here, cancer patients in the State would no longer have to travel to Kuala Lumpur and spend a fortune on transportation.
“If we rely on Kuala Lumpur, it’s very costly, and people may not be able to get the treatment.
“One is going there, and the family may follow. The fare will be high. Going over to KL could cost over RM1,000 and the economy is bad now.
“So, being the head of the State government, I told the Federal government that as long as they agree, we build first and they’ll reimburse later,” he said during the 8th Asia Pacific Conference on Public Health (APCPH) official opening and gala dinner here today.
When speaking to the press after the event, Abang Johari added that the construction of the Sarawak Cancer Centre is scheduled to begin by the end of the year.
He said the cancer centre would be equipped with 300 beds, similar to each of the three new private hospitals that are coming up in Sarawak in the next five years.
Also present at the event were APCPH vice chairman Dr Tahir Aris, Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. — DayakDaily
