There is an increasing number of cancer patients seeking help in more rural localities throughout the state, said a deputy state minister who is also a doctor by profession.
State assemblyman for Nangka Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who is deputy Sarawak minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development said these rural cancer sufferers have to travel hundreds of kilometres and spend thousands of ringgit just to get to Kuching for specialist treatment.
Speaking at a public health function in Sibu town, he said that the latest data showed a worrying trend of increasing cases not just in urban areas but also in remote districts.
"There is a plan to set up the Sarawak Cancer Centre in Kuching equipped with the latest treatment facilities and wards.
"While the rakyat welcomes this, cancer sufferers from rural areas and their families are worried about the logistic problems and the high expenses of travelling involved.
"Flights to Kuching cost a big sum of money, like from Miri and Sibu will cost hundreds of ringgit per way to Kuching.
"If the Sarawak Cancer Centre can be built in Sibu town right in central Sarawak, that will be the ideal location as travel time and costs can be reduced," he said.
Miri to Kuching is about 1,000 km away while Sibu is about 500 km from Kuching.
Dr Annuar said efforts at cancer prevention are being stepped up in Sarawak but the treatment aspects must be addressed urgently.
On Nov 11 last year, it was reported that the Federal Government and the Sarawak state government have reached a deal to get the Sarawak Cancer Centre constructed in Kuching later this year.
Putrajaya will reimburse RM 1 billion to Sarawak for that centre to be constructed, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg that day.
The centre will have treatment facilities as well as wards.
It will also be a venue for research and experiments towards finding better methods to prevent and treat cancer.
At present, cancer treatment in Sarawak is centred in a unit in the Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching.
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