By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Oct 20: Sarawak is set to strengthen its specialised cancer treatment capacity with a 310-bed cancer centre costing more than RM1.5 billion, with the State government contributing RM500 million and providing a RM1 billion loan to the federal government for the project which is scheduled for completion in 2032.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the project was currently at the tender procurement stage with the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia.
“The contract is expected to be awarded with the issuance of the Surat Setuju Terima (SST) in the first quarter of 2027. The project duration is five years, and it is scheduled to be completed in 2032,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
Dr Sim said RM20 million would be allocated next year to implement the project, as announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during his 2027 Budget speech.
He said the 310-bed centre would strengthen Sarawak’s capacity to provide comprehensive and specialised cancer treatment, as cancer is the state’s second-largest disease burden after heart disease.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim said the Sarawak government would undertake the procurement of G1, G3 and G4 equipment, with the necessary processing and approvals underway to ensure smooth project implementation. — DayakDaily
