SIBU, July 24: The State Government is pushing for the Sarawak Cancer Centre to be built soon, says Michael Tiang.
Speaking at a ceremony to welcome participants of the Cycling for Cancer 2022 event, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said with the centre, Sarawakians stricken with cancer would be better served.
“Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Malaysia, claiming approximately two lives every minutes. As horrifying as it already sounds, the incidence of cancer is expected to double by the year 2040,” he said.
The Pelawan assemblyman said cancer patients need the people’s support now more than ever, especially since they might have faced delayed treatment during the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Screening and early detection of new cancer patients have also been placed on the back burner during this period. It is therefore timely that this Cycle for Cancer (event) has been organised by MMA (Malaysian Medical Association) to raise funds for Makna (Majlis Kanser National) and the patients they support,” he said
He said the choice of Sibu as the finishing point for the campaign was appropriate as it is the home of Makna’s office in East Malaysia.
The function was also to welcome the participants which comprised 10 cyclists, 16 volunteers and four medics. The cyclists had from July 15 cycled 1,100km from the East coast of Sabah to Sibu.
They had raised a total of RM200,000 which would be used for cancer aid related services, raise public awareness on cancer in the country and at the same time promote cycling as a healthy activity. — DayakDaily
