KUCHING – Several rural health clinics across Sarawak may need to be rebuilt or significantly upgraded, as their ageing facilities no longer meet the needs of local communities, said Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier Department, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
He highlighted that four clinics in the Pantai Damai state constituency — Telaga Air, Kampung Buntal, Kampung Santubong, and Bandar Semariang — are among those under consideration, with most of them having served the population for more than four decades.
“Santubong Clinic has already received funding for a new building, but I urge equal attention be given to Telaga Air and Buntal clinics, which are currently in very daif (dilapidated) condition,” he said during a visit to Telaga Air Health Clinic on Tuesday.
Dr Abdul Rahman explained that many of these clinics are constructed from wooden structures, unsuitable for long-term use. In particular, Telaga Air serves over 7,000 residents from nine surrounding villages, a figure expected to rise with upcoming development projects such as the ICAT University campus.
He proposed restructuring the clinic classification from Type 6 (basic) to Type 5 or even Type 4 if resources allow — a move that would bring in medical officers, laboratory technicians, and pharmacy services.
“Just like how we rebuild daif schools, I appeal for the same commitment to upgrade or reconstruct rural clinics. We want the people of Sarawak to enjoy healthcare services equal to those in other states,” he added.
The call underscores Sarawak’s broader vision of equitable access to quality healthcare across urban and rural areas, particularly as infrastructure needs to grow in tandem with regional development.