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Health Ministry allocation raised to RM46.5 bln under Budget 2026

Think-tank: Malaysia needs to identify sustainable funding for health, aged care

Sibuti folks invited to Santuni Madani Carnival, ANMS Tour in Lambir this weekend

The Santuni Madani Carnival and National Health Agenda (ANMS) Tour will be held in Kampung Tunku Abdul Rahman, Lambir, Miri on September 27-28. Organized by the Ministry of Health and the office of Deputy Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, the event offers free health screenings, fitness checks, dental exams, Rahmah Sales, talks, career counseling, and an exhibition featuring various government agencies. Festivities include a performance by local artist Rickie Andrewson, sports competitions, traditional games, and more.

Free rabies vaccination slots for cats in Miri fully taken up

Free rabies vaccination slots for cats in Miri, Sarawak, have been fully booked, exceeding the allocated 50 slots per clinic. High demand from cat owners led to quick uptake, with some expressing disappointment on social media about the limited availability and restricted locations. The program, running from September 26-28, is a collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim, SSPCA, and SVA, aiming to control rabies statewide.

MMA: Investing in nurses is an investment in nation’s health

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) praises the government's decision to offer permanent positions to nurses, recognizing their crucial role in healthcare. MMA President Dr. Thirunavukarasu Rajoo emphasized that investing in nurses benefits the nation's health, as they provide direct patient care, support other healthcare professionals, and often serve as the first point of contact for patients. He highlighted the dedication of nurses, who often balance patient care with family responsibilities. Permanent positions offer job security, but MMA also urges addressing career development and workload to build a sustainable nursing workforce.

Free rabies vaccination drive for cats across Sarawak this weekend

A free rabies vaccination program for cats will be held in Sarawak, Malaysia, from September 26-28, 2024. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, in partnership with SSPCA and SVA, the initiative aims to bolster rabies control efforts. Participating clinics in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Mukah will offer the vaccinations. Pre-registration is required via online forms or direct calls to clinics, depending on the location, as slots are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Chong Chieng Jen discharged after undergoing heart treatment, advised to rest

Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen has been discharged from the Sarawak Heart Centre after undergoing an angiogram to clear a blocked artery. The 54-year-old Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman is recovering well and thanked the medical team. He has been advised to rest for two weeks but assured supporters he'll return to his duties soon. Chong also serves as chairman of NIOSH and previously held positions as Deputy Minister and opposition leader.

Darul Hana, Satok bridges light up in gold to support childhood cancer awareness

The Darul Hana and Satok Bridges in Kuching were illuminated in gold on Saturday to commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative, a collaboration between Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS), aimed to raise awareness and support children battling cancer and their families. The gold symbolizes hope, strength, and solidarity. DBKU emphasized its commitment to public health awareness and collaboration with NGOs.

Social activist proposes Sarawak take over Unimas to tackle doctor shortage

Social activist Voon Shiak Ni suggests the Sarawak government take over Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to address the state's severe doctor shortage. She proposes increasing medical student intake and tailoring Unimas's medical program to meet Sarawak's specific healthcare needs. This, she argues, would encourage Sarawakian graduates to remain and serve locally, resolving the issue of Peninsular Malaysian doctors' reluctance to work in Sarawak. Voon highlighted the critical shortage of medical officers, especially in rural areas, citing Bintulu Hospital's staffing struggles and Sarawak's low doctor-to-population ratio compared to the national average.

Rabies claims two more lives in Kuching

Two new rabies fatalities were reported in Sarawak, Malaysia, on September 19, 2025. A 22-year-old woman from Petra Jaya and a 67-year-old woman from Batu Kawa both succumbed to the disease after being scratched by a stray cat and bitten by a pet dog, respectively. Neither sought immediate medical treatment. These deaths bring the total rabies fatalities in Sarawak to 80 since the 2017 outbreak. Four cases have been reported in 2025, a decrease compared to 2024.

Dr Sim calls for heart disease awareness due to rising prevalence in Sarawak

Sarawak Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian stressed the need for increased awareness of heart disease prevention, citing over 200,000 Sarawakians treated at the Sarawak Heart Centre. He highlighted the growing prevalence of high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and overweight as key risk factors, emphasizing that these conditions are increasingly common among adults. Dr Sim spoke at the World Heart Day 2025 programme, advocating for heart health as part of nation-building and raising public awareness on cardiovascular care.

Prioritising OSH, extending protection for workers

Mohd Zahruddin Ruskam, a 62-year-old safety director, has endured multiple surgeries and treatments for slipped discs in his neck and lower back due to occupational hazards from his previous work as a seaman and safety personnel. The repetitive physical movements and manual lifting required in his jobs led to his initial diagnosis in 1988, followed by subsequent surgeries and procedures. His current condition limits his work and social activities and has taken an emotional and financial toll. He continues to undergo therapy sessions three times a week.

Tragic loss: Family seeks explanation after baby dies under SGH care

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen demands answers from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) regarding the death of a newborn after 82 days of care. The baby, born prematurely on November 28, 2024, developed an infection and allegedly fell while being bathed by a nurse, slipping into a coma. Despite regaining consciousness, the infant's condition worsened, requiring multiple medications. He passed away on February 17, 2025. The grieving father, Norman Naroodin, seeks a clear explanation from the hospital, having filed police reports in January and May with no satisfactory response.

No such thing as safe bite, public reminded on World Rabies Day

Sarawak health officials urge pet owners to vaccinate their animals annually against rabies and neuter them if they cannot afford yearly vaccinations. Dr Muhammad Hafiz Johari stressed responsible pet ownership, including preventing pets from roaming freely. He emphasized that post-bite vaccination is crucial and that any animal bite requires immediate washing and medical attention. Deaths from rabies are preventable with prompt action.

Sarawak ramps up rabies fight with mass vaccination, awareness programmes on World Rabies Day 2025

Sarawak held a World Rabies Day event in Kuching, focusing on mass dog vaccinations, subsidized neutering, and public awareness programs. Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasized shared responsibility in rabies prevention, urging pet owners to vaccinate, license, and neuter their animals. Over 278,000 animals have been vaccinated statewide as of August 2025, but rabies cases persist, particularly in Kuching. The event offered free vaccinations, health screenings, and educational talks, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in combating rabies.

Sarawak targets 50,000 pets vaccinated annually to achieve rabies-free status by 2030

Sarawak aims to vaccinate 50,000 pets annually against rabies to achieve rabies-free status by 2030. Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang emphasized the mandatory nature of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Free vaccination programs are being offered through collaboration with various agencies. From 2017-2024, over 63,000 dog bites and 52,000 cat bites/scratches were recorded, with one rabies death this year from a cat scratch. Tiang expressed concern over irresponsible pet owners and urged stricter enforcement.

Balanced development in Miri must include stronger healthcare, says Deputy Premier

Sarawak's Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, emphasized the government's commitment to balanced development in Miri Division, prioritizing improved healthcare access in rural areas. Initiatives include upgrading Miri Hospital, strengthening specialist services, and expanding medical outreach to remote communities. Dr Sim, represented by Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, spoke at the 3rd Borneo Diabetes Conference 2025, highlighting Miri's growing role as a medical hub and its strategic location for cross-border collaborations in healthcare, research, and tourism.

Neglecting children’s health can harm self-confidence, mental wellbeing, says Lukanisman

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni emphasized the collective responsibility of healthcare providers, parents, and caregivers in ensuring children's safety and health. Speaking at the World Patient Safety Day event in Miri, he stressed prioritizing patient safety, particularly for children under nine. He highlighted the 2025 theme, "Safe Care for Every Newborn and Child," urging parents to seek expert medical advice instead of relying on online sources. Lukanisman also encouraged regular health check-ups for adults, emphasizing early illness detection and adherence to prescribed treatments.

Dr Sim: Sarawak mulling licensing for pet cats to curb rabies spread

Sarawak is considering mandatory cat licensing and vaccination due to rising rabies cases linked to felines. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted the increasing incidence of cat scratches and bites contributing to rabies transmission. While dog licensing and vaccination are already mandatory, the government seeks public input on extending these requirements to cats to improve tracking and public health safety. Dr Sim emphasized the importance of pet vaccination, licensing, and neutering, noting rabies affects both strays and household pets.

DAP Sarawak donates refrigerator SGH Radiotherapy Unit

Sarawak DAP donated a new commercial refrigerator to the Sarawak General Hospital's Radiotherapy Unit to address the urgent need for proper medication storage. Special assistant to the DAP Sarawak chairman, Michael Kong, facilitated the donation, which was funded by two individual contributors. Kong emphasized the party's commitment to supporting healthcare providers and the well-being of Sarawakians, while acknowledging the government's primary responsibility for resource provision.