By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 26: The Sarawak government plans to negotiate with the Federal government for the relocation of Lundu Hospital to a new site, where it can be upgraded with improved facilities.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the State government is willing to finance the hospital’s relocation and modernisation project initially, with the expectation of reimbursement from the Federal government.
Abang Johari also noted that this decision aligns with a similar arrangement made for the Sarawak Cancer Centre, a project that has been in progress for the past two years.
“If the Federal government agrees to this arrangement, we are prepared to proceed with the project using our funds first, with the understanding that we will be reimbursed,” he said.
The Premier made these remarks during his speech prior to inaugurating the 2024 Lundu Regatta and Batang Kayan Festival, which took place today at the Lundu Waterfront in Lundu.
He further emphasised the importance of this cooperative approach, highlighting that healthcare infrastructure is primarily a federal responsibility.
“We are willing to cooperate for the benefit of the people, but it is essential that the Federal government repays us. This is their responsibility, not ours,” he added.
Abang Johari also mentioned that Sarawak had previously allocated RM100 million for healthcare and RM100 million for education, with the Federal government having repaid the state RM100 million to date.
Meanwhile, Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan had earlier called for the relocation and modernisation of Lundu Hospital, which was originally built in 1965 and now requires new facilities.
Azizul suggested that the funding mechanism used for the new cancer centre should be applied to the development of the Lundu Hospital. — DayakDaily
