By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Oct 9: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg believes Sarawak’s strength in biomedicine lies in the vast potential offered by the State’s biodiversity.
Abang Johari said Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) had recently signed a Memorandums of Understanding and Agreement (MOUs and MOAs) with partners from Australia, Germany, USA, Singapore and West Malaysia to develop the biomedical industry in Sarawak.
“The Sarawak government has committed RM200 million to build a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facility just outside the city for the purpose of research, particularly for the development of vaccines for tropical diseases.
“We have learnt a valuable lesson during the Covid-19 pandemic where the world struggled to find and produce a vaccine to contain the spread of the disease,” said Abang Johari whose speech text was read out by Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian who was representing the former at the 29th MAO International Scientific Conference and Trade Exhibition Gala Dinner held at Pullman Hotel here yesterday.
He said Sarawak is also building a state-of-the-art cancer centre here in Kuching at a cost of RM1 billion.
He added that the centre will not only be for Sarawakians but also cater for people within the South East Asia region with the hope that one day Kuching will become a prominent cancer treatment centre in the region. — DayakDaily
