By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 19: The old nurses’ quarters in front of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) will be transformed into a new facility to support patients and their families, while retaining its nostalgic value for the community.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the area was initially designated for a retention pond to help manage overflow water in flood-prone zones, including parts of SGH and surrounding residential areas.
However, following feedback from former nurses and members of the public who had strong emotional ties to the old hostel building, the project was re-evaluated.
“At the time, some ex-nurses and others told us that, if possible, they hoped the old nurses’ hostel wouldn’t be demolished because of its nostalgic value—even though it could no longer be used.
“So, discussions were held with the Sarawak government, the hospital, and other relevant parties, and we eventually agreed to relocate the pond,” he said during SGH’s ‘Speta Beraya’ open house held at Dewan Majma’ Tunku Abd Halim Mu’adzam Shah last night.
In its place, a new building will be constructed by Yayasan OBYU to serve as a rumah singgah or Anjung Kasih, providing temporary accommodation for patients and their families receiving treatment at SGH.
“God willing, the new building will be developed while maintaining the character of the old quarters,” Fadillah added, noting that many former staff remember the place fondly as the setting for personal memories and friendships.
In addition to the redevelopment, Fadillah also announced a federal allocation of RM3 million to improve SGH, following a discussion with the hospital director on immediate needs.
He said the allocation covers the upgrading of physical facilities and procurement of new assets.
He also pledged an additional RM150,000 for the hospital’s Tabung Kebajikan Perubatan Malaysia fund to assist B40 patients in obtaining necessary medical equipment.
Fadillah further mentioned that although the Sarawak government has allocated RM6.5 million for the physical construction of the hospital’s mosque, further support was needed to complete other components.
“I’ve asked the mosque chairman to work with my political secretary, Irwan Zulkarnain Muhammad Hasbie, who is an engineer, to review the details.
“God willing, we will do our part to help complete the mosque, which will benefit hospital visitors and staff alike,” he assured.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung. – DayakDaily
