KUCHING: Kuching has been recognised by the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) as an “Angels Region”, making it the second city in Malaysia to receive the prestigious global recognition after Taiping in Perak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said the recognition places Kuching among about 100 regions worldwide acknowledged for having a coordinated, high-quality stroke care system under the global ANGELS Initiative, which is supported by the WSO and led by pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim.
“This is a very special recognition. Not many regions in the world have achieved this status, including in developed countries. Yet here we are in the jungle of Borneo recognised as an Angels Region,” he said when speaking at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Appreciation Night held here on Saturday (Feb 7).
Dr Sim said that the ‘Angels Region’ strategy, introduced in 2016, focuses on strengthening the entire stroke care continuum, from public awareness and emergency response to acute hospital treatment.
“The recognition is given because Sarawak General Hospital, together with Borneo Medical Centre Kuching, has been acknowledged as among the top centres for stroke treatment.
“Both hospitals have achieved Gold Status under the World Stroke Organisation Angels Awards,” he said.
In addition, he said that SGH, as part of the regional Emergency Medical Service (EMS) network, achieved Diamond Status under the EMS Angels Awards.
“This shows strong coordination between hospitals and emergency services.
“We must continue to train, improve quality and strengthen our EMS-hospital coordination. Being an Angels Region is not the end, it is just the beginning,” he added.
Dr Sim also highlighted Kuching’s success in community stroke awareness, particularly through the ‘FAST Heroes’ programme, which reached 1,530 children – more than three times the population-based target of 497.
“This public education effort was made possible through the leadership of the ‘Pejabat Kesihatan Bahagian Kuching’ and was implemented across six schools. We think big, start small, and scale up fast,” he said.
With Kuching joining Taiping and Penang, Malaysia now has three Angels Regions, making it one of only two countries in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve this milestone.
Dr Sim also paid tribute to SGH staff, describing the hospital as a quaternary referral centre with 1,020 beds, 78 clinical specialties and sub-specialties, and about 4,600 staff, operating.
“Against all odds, SGH achieved impressive national and international recognition in 2025. This is only possible because our doctors, nurses and staff believe in their role in Sarawak’s nation-building, putting Sarawak on the world map,” he said.
The SGH Appreciation Night also recognised achievements throughout 2025, including Quality and Infection Control Awards, Public Appreciation and Recognition Awards, Occupational Safety and Health Awards, and special awards.
