BALAI RINGIN – The Sarawak Government has approved RM1.5 million for the reconstruction of the Balai Ringin Health Block, a move aimed at strengthening healthcare facilities in the constituency.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Tourism, Creative Industries and Entertainment Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who is also the Balai Ringin assemblyman, confirmed that the allocation was channelled through the Greater Kuching Development Coordination Agency (GKCDA) and will be implemented next year.
Snowdan also announced plans to build two additional health clinics to meet rising demand for medical services.
One clinic is proposed near the Balai Ringin Small Stadium, while another will be constructed at Punda junction, Simunjan.
He explained that these facilities are crucial to serve the needs of 96 communities in the Balai Ringin Sub-District, ensuring wider access to healthcare.
He made the announcement during the PETRONAS Changing Life Balai Ringin Christmas Programme 2025 and the distribution of basic medical assistance at the Balai Ringin Depot.
Snowdan praised PETRONAS for its contribution, noting that such initiatives provide rural residents with free health check-ups and vital information.
At the event, Snowdan also presented RM905,000 in UNIFOR grants to four churches in the area:
- Saint Alban Ensebang Pelaie Church – RM298,000
- Baptist Church, Pantu – RM107,000
- Saint Stephen Church, Pantu – RM300,000
- Saint Patrick Kampung Bayor Church – RM200,000
In addition, certificates of appointment were handed to 10 Tuai Raban Bansa (village chiefs) from the Balai Ringin constituency, recognising their leadership roles within the community.
Earlier, PETRONAS Sarawak General Manager Norazibah Md Rabu highlighted that PETRONAS had distributed assistance to 870 households across Sarawak, including Balai Ringin.
Together with SABATI, the company also provided basic medical equipment to the Balai Ringin Health Clinic, part of a wider project to support 26 rural clinics with an allocation of RM1.3 million.
Norazibah added that the initiative aligns with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which prioritises strengthening rural healthcare access and improving community well-being.
The ceremony was attended by SABATI Exco member Datin Melinda Bucking Lawan, Deputy Director of Serian Divisional Health Office Dr Majorie Ensayan Junting, Serian Divisional Resident representative Mohamad Rashdan Hazemi, and Balai Ringin Sub-District Officer Mohammad Adam Muslim Abdullah, reflecting strong collaboration between government agencies, corporate partners and local leaders.
