KUCHING: Heart disease continues to be the top cause of death in the state, prompting calls for immediate and united efforts in prevention.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian stressed that tackling cardiovascular disease requires increased public awareness, healthier living habits, and strong community support.
“World Heart Day is celebrated throughout the world and even in the jungle of Borneo, we are celebrating. Why? Because this is not just about global health, it is about Sarawak’s nation-building,” he said in his speech when officiating the World Heart Day 2025 at Dewan Masyarakat Kuching here today.
He warned that the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is being driven by what he called the “3 plus 1” formula namely high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar (diabetes) and obesity.
Since its establishment in 2011, he said the Sarawak Heart Centre has treated more than 200,000 patients, many of whom would not have survived without it.
“Before this, there was no heart centre in Sarawak and people didn’t get treated. That’s why so many are alive today — because of our own centre,” he said.
Despite being located “in the jungle of Borneo,” Dr Sim said the Sarawak Heart Centre is the only Ministry of Health cardiac facility in Malaysia ranked among Newsweek’s Top 100 in Asia-Pacific.
“Out of 10 heart centres under the Ministry, only ours made the list. We should thank and give credit to our doctors and nurses,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also the Sarawak Heart Foundation deputy chairman, credited the late Datuk Amar Laila Taib, for her long-standing commitment to improving cardiac care in the state. Her foundation has raised millions to fill critical service gaps in the absence of federal funding.
Recent efforts include RM2.5 million raised for angiogram services at Bintulu Hospital and another RM2.5 million to fund Sibu Hospital’s first cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), expected by early next year.
“This is what we call Sarawakians helping Sarawakians. We do this because we love our people, and we want them to live,” he added.
World Heart Day is observed globally on Sept 29. The theme for this year’s World Heart Day is “Don’t Miss A Beat”.
This year’s global campaign is about raising awareness that cardiovascular disease is preventable and encouraging people to take action and prioritise their heart health before it is too late.
