By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 21: Sarawak today stands as the only centre in East Malaysia offering a robotic surgery programme, having performed over 250 robotic urological procedures since 2023, including prostatectomies and partial nephrectomies.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised that innovation is not only about new equipment or technology, but also about improving approaches, decision making and patient care.
“At the end of the day, every innovation must lead to better care,” he said in his speech text read by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng when addressing the 34th Malaysian Urological Conference (MUC 2025) at a hotel here today.
Welcoming over 650 delegates, with more than 500 from outside Sarawak, Dr Sim who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, praised the impressive turnout as a testament to the confidence the urology community has in the Malaysian Urological Association and the quality of the conference programme.
Highlighting Sarawak’s achievement in robotic surgery, he said, “This is a significant milestone and reflects the dedication of our surgical teams, nurses, and support staff who have built a safe and reliable service for our patients.”
In line with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, he noted that Sarawak sees about 100 new prostate cancer cases annually, with one of the lowest rates of metastatic disease at diagnosis in the country.
“This is not by chance. It reflects years of community outreach, education, and early detection efforts carried out by our medical teams and partners on the ground. Early diagnosis saves lives, and Sarawak is proof of that,” he said.
Dr Sim also acknowledged the Malaysian Urological Association, the organising committee led by Dr Aaron Goh, industry partners, and local colleagues, as well as Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) for supporting the event’s planning and scientific impact.
Concluding his speech, Dr Sim encouraged young doctors and trainees to seize the opportunity to learn from experts, engage in discussions, and build connections that will serve them throughout their careers.
“Most importantly, I hope the discussions here will translate into better care for patients in every part of Malaysia,” he added.
MUC 2025 features a comprehensive line-up, including robotic masterclasses for prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy, advanced plenary sessions covering oncology, stones, paediatrics, reconstruction, transplantation, and men’s health, as well as hands-on workshops, nursing programmes, and sessions for trainees and regional partners across ASEAN.
Sarawak Health Department deputy director Dr Azlee Ayub, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) director Dr Ngian Hie Ung and Malaysia Urological Association president Dr Noor Ashani Mohd Yusoff were among those present. — DayakDaily
