SARAWAK’s deputy premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has raised concerns over the high number of cancer sufferers in the state.
He revealed that more than 3,000 cases were recorded last year, compared to the year before when the figure was just over 2,000.
Out of the 3,000 plus cancer sufferers reported last year, at least 500 of them are women who were detected with breast cancer.
Dr Sim said the latest data is a clear sign that cancer is surging in this state.
"The 3,000 plus new cancer cases detected in government health facilities are for last year alone.
"The year before in 2023, more than 2,000 new cases were found.
"What is even more sad is that more than 70 percent of all these new cancer sufferers detected are already suffering advanced stages of tumours," he said.
He said the latest cancer situation in Sarawak points to the urgency of having a specialised cancer hospital in this state.
"The hospital infrastructure facilities like wards and beds need to be increased by a big number in Sarawak, not to mention the number of doctors, nurses and specialists," he said.
Dr Sim is also State Minister for Public Health, Local Government and Housing.
Last year, it was announced that the federal and the Sarawak state governments have reached a deal to get the Sarawak Cancer Centre constructed near Kuching later this year.
Putrajaya will re-imbursed RM 1 billion to Sarawak for that centre to be constructed, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The centre will have treatment facilities as well as wards and be a venue for research towards finding better methods to prevent and treat cancer. – March 20, 2025
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