KUCHING – Greater public awareness and understanding of cleft lip and palate are needed to encourage early referral and appropriate treatment for individuals born with the condition, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said.
He said early access to suitable treatment, together with continued support, was important in helping children with clefts through their development.
“With early referral, appropriate treatment, and continuous support, children born with clefts can grow and develop with confidence,” he said.
His remarks were made in conjunction with National Cleft Awareness Month in October, which provides an opportunity to highlight issues surrounding cleft conditions and the importance of access to care.
Dr Sim also stressed that awareness should extend beyond medical treatment to include acceptance and inclusivity.
He said individuals born with cleft lip and palate should be able to receive appropriate treatment while being supported by their families and communities.
Cleft care can involve different stages of treatment over a person’s life, beginning from infancy and potentially continuing through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.
The needs of each individual can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition and the treatment required.
Against this backdrop, Dr Sim described cleft care as a lifelong journey that begins at birth and continues into adulthood.
Data from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showed that 568 cleft cases were recorded between 2015 and 2025.
Of that total, 478 cases involved cleft lip and palate, while a further 90 were recorded as cases of secondary cleft palate.
The figures underline the presence of cleft conditions within the community and the need for continued public understanding, particularly regarding access to appropriate care and the importance of early referral.
Dr Sim expressed hope that the Sarawak Cleft Awareness 2026 programme would contribute to greater public understanding of cleft lip and palate and help address stigma experienced by people born with the condition.
Public awareness initiatives can also provide an avenue for families to learn more about available support and the importance of seeking appropriate medical advice.
Greater understanding may help reduce misconceptions surrounding cleft conditions and encourage a more supportive environment for affected individuals.
The emphasis on inclusivity is also intended to draw attention to the social aspects of living with a cleft condition.
While medical care forms an important part of management, acceptance and support within families, schools, workplaces and the wider community can also influence the experience of individuals living with the condition.
Dr Sim’s speech was delivered by Kuching South City Council Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
The Sarawak Cleft Awareness 2026 programme is therefore intended not only to highlight the importance of treatment, but also to encourage greater understanding of cleft lip and palate among the wider public.
With October recognised as National Cleft Awareness Month, the campaign provides an opportunity to reinforce messages on early referral, appropriate care and continued support while promoting a more informed and inclusive approach towards individuals born with cleft conditions. – Sarawak Daily
