The 310-bed Sarawak Cancer Centre is now at the tender procurement stage, with the contract expected to be awarded in the first quarter of next year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the project, currently being managed by the Public Works Department (PWD) Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, was scheduled for completion in 2032.
However, he said he had urged the PWD to expedite the project timeline with a target of completing it by 2030 due to the growing number of cancer cases in Sarawak.
“There are 3,000 new cancer cases in Sarawak every year now,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today (May 19).
Dr Sim also revealed that the Sarawak government had advanced RM1 billion for the implementation of the project, which would later be reimbursed by the federal government.
In addition, he said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had approved more than RM500 million for the procurement of medical equipment for the centre.
“The RM500 million worth of equipment will be given to the Federal Government as a donation from Sarawak.
“From here, we can see the commitment and determination of the Sarawak government in bringing comprehensive and modern cancer treatment and research facilities to Sarawak for the good of the people,” he added.
