KUCHING – The proposed RM1.5 billion Sarawak Cancer Hospital has moved closer to the next stage of procurement, with the open tender for the pre-qualification process expected to close in October, according to Sarawak Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim said the update followed the second joint meeting involving the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), the Public Works Department Malaysia (JKR Malaysia) and the Sarawak Government concerning the proposed cancer hospital.
The meeting was led by KKM Deputy Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Zahrul Hakim Abdullah. Discussions focused on the proposed development, funding arrangements and the implementation of the specialist healthcare facility in Sarawak.
The project is currently scheduled for completion by 2030. However, Dr Sim said he hoped the construction period could be shortened to 36 months, citing the need for additional cancer treatment facilities as well as infrastructure to support clinical research.
The proposed hospital has an estimated value of RM1.5 billion, with the funding arrangement involving contributions from both the Sarawak and Federal governments.
Under the arrangement outlined by Dr Sim, the Sarawak Government would provide a RM1 billion loan to the Federal Government for construction of the hospital. The Federal Government has indicated that it does not intend to borrow more than RM1 billion for the building component.
The proposed facility is also planned to have 310 beds, providing additional capacity for cancer patients in Sarawak.
A further RM500 million is earmarked for medical equipment. The equipment, covering G1, G3 and G4 categories, is expected to be procured under Sarawak Government procurement procedures before being donated to the Sarawak Cancer Centre.
Dr Sim said the Sarawak Government’s position on the project remained consistent with the position discussed during an earlier meeting in April 2026. The state administration has continued to press for the project to proceed without further changes to the agreed funding approach.
The proposed cancer centre is intended to strengthen the state’s capacity to provide specialised cancer services. Dr Sim noted that cancer represents the second most common disease burden in Sarawak, underscoring the importance of expanding facilities and services for patients.
Beyond treatment, the project is also expected to provide infrastructure that could support cancer-related clinical research. The development would therefore have implications not only for patient care but also for the wider medical sector in the state.
Dr Sim expressed appreciation to those involved in the latest joint meeting, thanking participants for their time, ideas, input and cooperation.
The project remains subject to the procurement and construction processes, with the pre-qualification open tender expected to close in October. Based on the current schedule, completion is targeted for 2030, although the Sarawak Government has expressed a preference for a shorter construction timeline.
The latest discussions come as the state continues to seek expanded healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of its growing population and patients requiring specialised treatment.
In addition to the cancer hospital discussions, Dr Sim attended several community and cultural events, including the 2026 National Celebration organised by the Sarawak Kuching and Samarahan Division Yen Leng Wu Clan Association.
He also attended the 2026 Padawan District Chinese Primary School Principals’ Committee Confucius Birthday Dinner, an event marking the work of Chinese primary school educators and administrators in the district.
Other engagements included a celebration by the Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of Sarawak marking Naw-Ruz and the 75th anniversary of the Baha’i community in Sarawak, as well as the 47th Anniversary Celebration of the Insurance Society of Sarawak, held under the theme “Legacy, Innovation & Unity”.
Dr Sim also thanked the Padawan District Chinese Primary School Principals’ Committee for a belated celebration of his 61st birthday.
