KUCHING: The Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS) has raised alarm over a proposed RM3.06 billion cut to the Ministry of Health’s operating budget, warning it could disrupt critical HIV treatment and prevention efforts.
The statement issued by the society today (May 1) follows a directive issued on April 29, 2026, suggesting a RM5.4 billion budget recalibration across the health and higher education sectors.
While Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, stated that core services and medicine supplies would remain unaffected, SACS emphasises that the broader HIV response relies on operational funding that remains at risk.
SACS is particularly concerned about the impact on treatment access and the continuity of medication.
Procurement for specialised medicines typically requires significant time; any funding disruption could jeopardise the supply chain.
“Access to continuous medication is critical for treatment adherence, which is necessary for patients to remain healthy and to prevent drug resistance.
“This threat is not limited to HIV, as drug resistance also impacts treatment for other infections, cancer, and various non-communicable diseases,” said SACS President, Stevie Astly Robbart, in the same statement.
The society highlighted potential risks to the Differentiated HIV Service for Key Population (DHSKP).
In 2025, the MoH allocated RM8 million for this prevention programme nationwide. SACS maintains that this investment is vital to reducing transmission and avoiding the RM80 million annual economic cost of treatment.
“In Sarawak, the cost of transportation for rural patients remains a significant barrier.
“Community health workers are integral to harm-reduction efforts under the DHSKP; any reduction in funding would lead to unprevented new infections, creating a greater economic burden on the healthcare system,” the statement read.
SACS is calling for a review of the proposal to ensure there are no reductions to the allocated budget.
The society notes that healthcare services are already operating at a bare minimum.
“While we understand the need to be prudent due to the financial impact of the West Asia conflict, we must consider the long-term public health consequences. We appeal for a constructive reconsideration to protect these vital health allocations,” Stevie added.
