KUCHING: The Citra Akademik Untuk Komuniti Dan Alam (CAKnA) programme brought health consultations closer to Kampung Salak residents, offering screenings and medical advice without requiring long travel to the city.
The initiative, carried out with Universiti Malaya, provided on-site checks for diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other common illnesses affecting rural communities.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the programme reflected ongoing efforts to close healthcare gaps in remote areas.
“Many residents told me that they often struggle with illness, but today they received direct help from doctors and specialists.
“Kampung Salak is fortunate because medical teams come here today, making it easier for villagers to get treatment.
“Programmes like this raise awareness of rising cases such as diabetes and COPD,” she said when attending the programme here on Saturday.
Nancy, who is the Santubong MP said the initiative also served as an educational platform for children and youths, particularly to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and healthcare careers.
She said rural communities needed more local expertise in medicine, pharmacy and engineering to support long-term development.
“Study hard so you can become doctors, pharmacists or engineers who serve your own village,” she told the young attendees.
“STEM opens pathways for you to gain the skills needed. What matters is that you build knowledge that benefits your own community,” she added.
On the same note, Nancy said CAKnA complemented her ministry’s agenda on family stability, women’s empowerment, child safety and support for vulnerable groups.
She added the programme’s advocacy sessions allowed residents to ask questions, learn preventive measures and better understand common health risks.
To support future community events, Nancy said the village’s Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) would receive two canopies, 100 chairs and 10 tables soon.
