SIBU: Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker, Alice Lau Kiong Yieng, praised the Sibu Hospital and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) for organising the Health and Wellness Carnival, which had brought the hospital right into the heart of the community.
She pointed out that this meaningful and inclusive event, held in conjunction with Sarawak Family Day at the UTS campus here on Saturday, was to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone.
“Your efforts truly reflect the spirit of community service, bringing healthcare awareness and services directly to the people,” she said in her speech delivered by her private secretary, Stanley Chiew, during the opening ceremony.
Lau, who is also Lanang Member of Parliament, said the event’s theme, ‘Prevent Today, Prosper Tomorrow’ carries a powerful message: prevention is better than cure.
“When we prioritise our health today, we secure a better, happier and more productive tomorrow for ourselves and our families,” she added.
She noted that, according to Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, nearly 250,000 cancer cases were reported in Malaysia from 2017 to 2023.
Alarmingly, she said cancer has now become the third leading cause of death in the country.
In 2023 alone, she said 14 per cent of all deaths were attributed to cancer – an increase from 13 per cent the previous year.
“These figures remind us that hope does not lie in statistics, but in our collective action – to promote prevention, encourage early screening, and ensure equitable access to treatment.
“That is why the event is so important. I am truly impressed by the wide array of booths and services made available to the public.
“This carnival is more than just a one-day event – it’s a movement.
“A movement to empower our community with health knowledge, to detect illnesses early, and to inspire a proactive and healthier way of life,” she said.
Health is a shared responsibility, she said, adding it is not just about hospitals or doctors; it starts at home, with our daily choices, from diet and exercise to mental well-being and safe use of medication.
What makes this event especially meaningful, she further noted, is its free admission and open-to-all approach, ensuring that health education and basic services reach everyone, especially those in underserved communities.
“Let us continue working together towards building a healthier, stronger and more resilient society, where prevention becomes a habit and care becomes a right, not a privilege,” Lau added.
