KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen has called for stronger, coordinated action to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Sarawak.
He pointed out that conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart and kidney disease are no longer a future concern but an escalating present challenges.
He said this after attending a forum titled “How Do We Respond to the Increase in Diabetes, Stroke, Heart and Kidney Disease in Sarawak?” held on Dec 13, which brought together healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and health advocates.
“The discussions were sober, evidence-based and served as a timely reminder that non-communicable diseases are already affecting families across Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Yii said the prevalence of NCDs highlights gaps in access to healthcare, early screening, health literacy, lifestyle environments and the long-term sustainability of the public health system.
“If left unaddressed, the social and economic costs will be profound, particularly for lower-income households and rural communities,” he said.
Dr Yii stressed his responsibility to ensure that feedbacks from the ground and available data would be taken as input for policymaking.
This includes advocating for stronger investment in prevention and primary care, improved screening and early detection programmes, enhanced support for public hospitals and clinics, and closer coordination between the Federal and the Sarawak government.
He also highlighted the importance of empowering community-based initiatives and civil society partners, noting their critical role in education, outreach and early intervention.
“Responding effectively to this challenge requires long-term political will, cross-sector collaboration, and policies grounded in evidence and compassion. I remain committed to doing my part to ensure that healthcare planning and national priorities reflect the urgent needs of Sarawakians, today and in the years to come,” he concluded.
