By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 29: The Sarawak government recognises the importance of strengthening specialised medical services, particularly forensic medicine, to advance justice for those who no longer have a voice, especially children who become victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence or unexplained deaths.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said forensic medicine played a critical role beyond determining the cause and manner of death, as it helped uncover the truth, uphold justice, protect public safety and provide answers to grieving families.
“The role of forensic medicine extends far beyond the mortuary. It supports criminal investigations, disaster victim identification, child protection, road safety initiatives, occupational health, public health surveillance and policy development.
“It is an essential pillar of both the healthcare and justice systems,” he said in his text speech, read by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, at the opening of the International Convention of Forensic Medicine & Sciences (ICFMS) 2026 at a hotel here today.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said strengthening forensic medicine aligned with the Sarawak’s aspiration to build a modern, resilient and people-centred healthcare system under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He emphasised that Sarawak continued to invest in healthcare infrastructure, digital technologies, medical education, research and workforce development as part of its healthcare transformation agenda.
“A strong forensic service contributes not only to the criminal justice system but also to public health, disaster preparedness, workplace safety, road traffic injury prevention and community well-being,” he said.
Dr Sim said information gathered through forensic investigations could provide valuable insights to shape healthcare policies and preventive strategies for the future.
He said the state government would continue to support the development of forensic medicine through multidisciplinary collaboration, research and innovation, as well as the nurturing of future forensic professionals.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s convention, “Advancing Justice for the Young: Strengthening Multidisciplinary Forensic Practice”, Dr Sim said it was timely and meaningful given the need to protect vulnerable children.
“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society. They deserve not only protection during life but also justice whenever they become victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence or unexplained death,” he said.
He stressed that delivering justice for children required close cooperation among various fields, including forensic pathologists, paediatricians, emergency physicians, radiologists, police investigators, prosecutors, social welfare officers, psychologists, forensic scientists, nurses, educators and policymakers.
“No single profession can work in isolation. Our greatest achievements come when different disciplines work together with a common purpose—to protect lives, uphold justice and serve humanity,” he said.
Dr Sim also noted that the scientific programme of ICFMS 2026 reflected the rapid advancement of forensic medicine and sciences, covering areas such as forensic pathology, clinical forensic medicine, forensic toxicology, molecular autopsy, forensic imaging, disaster victim identification, forensic anthropology, forensic genetics, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and quality assurance.
He said the participation of international experts and delegates provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking and future collaborations.
He also encouraged young doctors, trainees, researchers, scientists and allied healthcare professionals to take advantage of the convention to learn from experts, exchange ideas and build professional networks.
Dr Sim paid tribute to forensic professionals, including forensic pathologists, medical officers, forensic scientists, nurses, assistant medical officers, mortuary personnel, laboratory staff, administrative officers, police investigators and prosecutors, whose work often took place away from public attention.
“Their work requires resilience, integrity, objectivity and compassion. They serve families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives while simultaneously supporting the administration of justice,” he said.
He congratulated the organising committee led by the Department of Forensic Medicine, Sarawak General Hospital, as well as collaborating agencies, sponsors and partners for successfully organising the international convention.
Dr Sim expressed confidence that ICFMS 2026 would inspire new ideas, strengthen partnerships and contribute to the advancement of forensic medicine and forensic sciences in Malaysia and internationally.
“Together, we can build stronger forensic services that not only solve crimes but also improve public health, strengthen our justice system, enhance disaster preparedness, protect vulnerable communities and contribute towards a safer and healthier society,” he said.
Sarawak Health Department’s deputy health director (Medical) Dr Azlee Ayub, Sarawak General Hospital deputy director (Medical) Datin Dr Norinawaty Abang Daud, Ministry of Health Malaysia’s head of Forensic Pathology Speciality Dr Khairul Anuar Zainun, Malaysian Society of Forensic Medicine and Sciences (MasForMS) chairman Dato Dr Zahari Noor, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) chief executive officer Jason Tan and ICFMS 2026 chairperson Dr Anaiki Zaini were among those present. — DayakDaily
