KUCHING – A senior Sarawak minister has publicly called for a more equitable distribution of federal health funding, highlighting a perceived disparity in financial support for major medical projects within the state. The appeal was made by Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, the Sarawak Deputy Premier.
He raised the issue with journalists after representing the state Premier at the Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SCCIA) 2025. Dr. Sim, who also serves as the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, pointed to a specific comparison to illustrate his concern.
He cited the Northern Cancer Hospital in Alor Setar, a 200-bed facility constructed with full federal funding of RM906 million. In contrast, he questioned why Sarawak was being asked to provide initial financing for its own similar project, the Sarawak Cancer Hospital.
Dr. Sim asserted that as Malaysian citizens, the people of Sarawak are entitled to healthcare facilities and infrastructure that are on par with those developed in other states across the country. He expressed frustration over the differing approaches to funding what he considers essential public health infrastructure.
The Deputy Premier revealed that the federal government had declined to fund the construction of the Sarawak Cancer Hospital. Faced with this rejection and a pressing need to care for cancer patients, the state government decided to take independent action.
He praised the initiative of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, the Sarawak Premier, for prioritising public welfare. The state government has now agreed to advance the RM1 billion required for the hospital’s construction.
This arrangement is intended as a temporary measure, with the expectation that the federal government will eventually reimburse the substantial cost. Dr. Sim described this as a necessary step after hearing what he characterised as repeated excuses about a lack of federal funds.
To address the broader issue of funding balance, Dr. Sim urged all Sarawakian Members of Parliament to unite in raising the matter at the national level. He believes a collective voice is essential to ensure the situation receives the appropriate attention from federal authorities.
This call for equitable funding underscores ongoing tensions regarding state-federal financial relations and resource allocation. The development of critical healthcare infrastructure remains a pivotal issue for the region, which seeks to improve medical outcomes for its population.
The state’s decision to proceed with the cancer hospital project demonstrates a commitment to advancing its healthcare services independently, while continuing to advocate for fair treatment within the national framework.
