KUCHING, 15 June 2025 — The old saying “sikit‑sikit, lama‑lama jadi bukit” rings true once again as Sarawakians come together for what is already being hailed as the biggest medical outreach ever held in the state capital. YB Wilfred Yap this morning officially opened Medical Camp 2025, a ground‑breaking initiative jointly organised by Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS) and the Lions Club Kuching Unity.
In his no‑nonsense welcome, YB Wilfred thanked lead organiser Madame Manjeet Kaur Sidhu as well as the 43 healthcare organisations, sponsors and individual volunteers that turned an ambitious idea into a working clinic under one roof. He called their sacrifice “the heartbeat of this meaningful initiative,” reminding the crowd that healthcare must never be a privilege reserved for the well‑to‑do.
Compassion in Action
From general screenings to dental checks, mental‑health counselling, nutrition advice and even Traditional Chinese Medicine, the camp offers an inclusive menu of services at absolutely no cost. With an estimated 1,000 attendees expected over the weekend, the camp’s reach goes far beyond city limits, drawing underserved families from rural Padawan and even the riverine communities of Bau.
Holistic and Forward‑Looking
YB Wilfred stressed that modern healthcare must go past pills and procedures. Anti‑smoking booths, autism and cancer awareness corners, dyslexia support, and alternative therapies all share floor space at the camp. “We honour our timeless kampung spirit of caring for one another,” he said, “while embracing new knowledge that saves lives tomorrow.”
A Blood‑Bond of Unity
A highlight of the morning was the blood‑donation drive targeting at least 100 donors. Each bag collected is a tangible act of love that can keep another Sarawakian alive. As one first‑time donor put it, “I may not be a doctor, but today I can still save someone.”
Government Backing and Next Steps
Pledging continued government support for grassroots health programmes, YB Wilfred urged more public‑private partnerships to replicate this model across Sarawak. Early detection, he reminded, costs far less than late‑stage treatment — both in ringgit and in heartbreak.
With that, a ribbon was cut, cheers erupted, and Medical Camp 2025 officially roared to life. For the rest of the day and throughout tomorrow, Kuching’s largest ad‑hoc clinic will stand as proof that when Malaysians pool their skills, time and compassion, nobody gets left behind. – Supp Kota Sentosa
