By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 9: Sarawak has taken a bold step to chart its own path in healthcare by fully funding the development of its Public Health Master Plan 2050 — the only state in Malaysia to do so without relying entirely on federal funding.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the study, which is fully funded by the Sarawak government, is being conducted by UNIMAS Holdings in collaboration with KPMG, both appointed as consultants.
Dr Sim further noted that the study will span nine months, beginning in March and concluding in November 2025.
“No other state is doing this. It shows we’re serious. We’re not just asking for more authority — we’re showing that we have a clear plan and direction,” he told reporters at a press conference on the masterplan held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
A major component of the study involves gathering public feedback through a large-scale survey targeting over 7,000 Sarawakians from diverse backgrounds.
The survey will run from mid-April to July, with field officers visiting communities across the state. All officers will carry official identification to avoid public confusion.
Dr Sim stressed the urgent need for a public health master plan, citing Sarawak’s continued lag behind Peninsular Malaysia in several areas of health services.
“People often talk about run-down schools, but we also have dilapidated clinics and hospitals. It’s a serious issue. We estimate it will take RM17 billion to fix our healthcare facilities,” he said, comparing it to the RM5 billion needed to repair schools in the State.
He also pointed out that although the Health Ministry’s annual budget stands at RM43 billion, about 90 per cent goes towards operational costs like salaries and medicine, leaving little room for development — especially in underserved states like Sarawak.
“This plan is more than just a blueprint — it’s a bargaining tool. When we sit down with the federal government, we’ll have a solid proposal in hand.
“If we don’t start planning now, we’ll be the ones struggling with high healthcare costs in the future,” he added.
The plan will involve broad engagement with stakeholders including the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), public and private healthcare providers, and various interest groups to ensure that the final framework is inclusive, forward-looking, and tailored to Sarawak’s unique needs.
Dr Sim said he hopes the Public Health Master Plan 2050 will serve as a model for a transparent, well-organised, and people-focused healthcare system for Sarawak. — DayakDaily
