KUCHING – The Sarawak government has confirmed plans to establish a specialised hospital dedicated to cancer treatment, with a particular focus on breast cancer.
The announcement was made by Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Law, MA63 and Federal-State Relations).
She stated that the project, now formally approved and funded, awaits the implementation phase following necessary federal government clearances.
Speaking at the Pink High Tea Ceremony organised by the Pink Ribbon Support Group Sarawak, the deputy minister outlined the facility’s role within a broader national health strategy.
She explained that the initiative is a key component of the government’s ongoing work to reinforce the National Strategic Plan for Cancer.
This plan, formulated by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, aims to guarantee comprehensive treatment access and early detection services for the public.
“What the government is doing is that many cancer hospitals are being built throughout Malaysia and in Sarawak, God willing, the government will build a cancer hospital, including breast cancer,” Datuk Sharifah Hasidah told attendees at the Grand Margherita Hotel.
She provided concrete assurances regarding the project’s status, confirming, “It has been approved, the budget is there, just waiting for implementation.”
Alongside the significant infrastructure announcement, the event highlighted the critical need for enhanced public awareness.
The deputy minister placed a strong emphasis on the importance of early screening, specifically targeting women in rural communities.
She described early detection as a vital preventative measure that can save lives, expressing concern over the number of women who have not undergone crucial checks.
“What a loss if our women, especially those in rural areas, do not know about screenings such as mammograms,” she remarked.
She pointed out that a significant proportion of women aged 50 and above have never had a mammogram, despite the procedure’s importance in identifying breast cancer at its most treatable stages.
The ceremony also featured an educational segment, with a discussion titled “BSC vs Mastectomy in the Management of Breast Cancer” delivered by Dr. Rokayah Julaihi, a Consultant General Surgeon specialising in breast surgery.
In her closing remarks, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah called for a united front between non-governmental organisations and government agencies.
She urged strengthened collaboration to expand the reach of awareness programmes and early screening initiatives, ensuring that vital knowledge and services benefit a greater number of women across Sarawak.
