SIBU: The Sarawak Medical Committee, a key body focused on health governance and regulation in the State, will be set up to work alongside the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said the initiative is significant step in advancing health autonomy for Sarawak.
“Sarawak Medical Committee (SMC) is expected to start processing application from medical practitioners who wish to practise in Sarawak starting June this year. We hope to lay the groundwork for potentially recommending or recognising specialist qualifications under Sarawak’s own framework in the future.
“With our own local body, we can further tailor our medical qualifications to our local healthcare needs and workforce planning,” he said at the official launching ceremony for second stage constructuon of Rejang Medical Centre (RMC) on its new, state-of-the-art tertiary hospital at Jalan Dr Wong Soon Kai here yesterday.
The Pelawan assemblyman highlighted how this expansion aligns with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He explained that the pandemic has taught a clear lesson that strong healthcare infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity for economic stability and social well-being.
“When we talk about Sarawak becoming a developed state, we aren’t just talking about Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and infrastructure. We are talking about the quality of life for every Sarawakian, from the urban centres to the furthest reaches of the Rejang Basin,” he stressed.
According to him, RMC’ s story is a quintessential Sarawakian success story, which has grown from a dedicated maternity home 23 years ago into the largest private multidisciplinary hospital in Sibu which is a remarkable feat of perseverance.
He also pointed out that the establishment of this 250-bed tertiary hospital is a game-changer in the state.
He explained that increasing tertiary capacity in Sibu will effectively decentralise specialised health as well as reducing the heavy reliance on Kuching and eases the burden on the public health facilities.
He said for the people of the central region – from Kapit to Mukah – this new hospital means that life-saving specialised care is hours closer that it was before.
This project, he further stated, positions Sibu as a formidable player in the medical tourism sector, attracting patients from across Borneo and neighbouring regions, which aligns perfectly with the state’s economic diversification goals.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman, Clarence Ting Ing Horh who was also present, visualised the project as a vital organ in Sibu’s development.
He said the project would create high-value jobs for the local graduates, from medical specialists to administrative professionals.
“It will further strengthen Sibu’s position as a regional hub for healthcare and service excellence, proving that Sibu is a place where innovation and compassion thrive hand-in-hand.
“To the management of RMC: your 23-year transformation from a maternity home to this future tertiary landmark is nothing short of inspiring. You have stayed true to your roots while looking firmly at the horizon.
“As we launch stage 2 of the construction today, we aren’t just pouring concrete; we are laying a foundation for a healthier, stronger Sibu. May the construction be smooth, and may your mission of healing continue to touch thousands of lives,” Ting added.
Also in attendance were Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, RMC managing director; Dr John Tang and Borneo Group of Hospitals managing director; Dr Peter Tang.
