Dr Sim: Sarawak to invest additional RM500 mln to strengthen medical research capacity

SIBU (April 10): Sarawak’s leadership in medical research is the key reason the state government is prepared to invest an additional RM500 million to further strengthen healthcare research capacity, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said raising such a large amount through public donations alone remains challenging, even with contributions from companies such as Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Sarawak Energy Berhad, which can only realistically support part of the total requirement.

“But these investments are important because this is how Sarawak functions, and why the Premier is willing to commit another RM500 million on top of what has already been allocated,” he said when officiating the launch of the new MRI facility at Sibu Hospital.

Dr Sim said Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) has been recognised as Malaysia’s top research hospital for four consecutive years, a position achieved through sustained scientific output rather than chance.

He also highlighted that the Prime Minister had personally presented last year’s national research awards to SGH’s oncology team, led by UMass-trained oncologist Dr Vu, whose ‘first-in-human’ clinical studies have drawn international interest.

Dr Sim added that global pharmaceutical company Roche, with annual revenue of about 60 billion Swiss francs, selected SGH as the first hospital in the Asia-Pacific region, and the only one in Southeast Asia, to test a new compound for solid cancers.

He said such recognition reflects the commitment of Sarawak-born specialists who return to serve despite opportunities abroad.

“They stay because Sarawak is home. That is the spirit that drives our progress,” he said.

Also present was Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, as well as industry and corporate representatives, including donors and partners supporting healthcare development initiatives in the state.