KUCHING: Sarawak has emerged as the only centre in East Malaysia offering a robotic urology programme, performing over 250 procedures since 2023.
The achievement was highlighted by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the 34th Malaysian Urological Conference (MUC 2025) at Pullman Hotel here today, with Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, officiating on his behalf.
The conference attracted more than 650 participants, including over 500 from outside the state.
“This is a significant milestone and reflects the dedication of our surgical teams, nurses and support staff who have built a safe and reliable service for our patients,” Dr Sim said in the text speech read by Wee.
He stressed that innovation is not only about adopting new technology, but also about enhancing decision-making and patient care.
“At the end of the day, every innovation must lead to better care,” he added, citing the conference theme, ‘Innovating Urology, Inspiring Care’.
“Take the chance to learn from the people around you. Ask questions. Watch how others approach problems. The connections you make here will be valuable throughout your career,” Dr Sim encouraged young doctors and trainees.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s progress in prostate cancer management.
“Sarawak sees about 100 new prostate cancer cases every year. What is encouraging is that our rate of metastatic disease at diagnosis is among the lowest in the country,” he shared.
“This is not by chance. It reflects years of community outreach, education, and early detection efforts carried out by our medical teams and partners on the ground. Early diagnosis saves lives, and Sarawak is proof of that.”
The three-day conference features robotic masterclasses, advanced plenary sessions covering oncology, stones, paediatrics, reconstruction, transplantation, and men’s health, along with hands-on workshops and sessions for nurses and trainees.
