MIRI: Sarawak is set to embark on a major expansion of its public healthcare and education systems, including the construction of new hospitals and the introduction of free tertiary education by 2026.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, speaking at a Hari Raya gathering hosted by the Miri Melanau Association (Persatuan Melanau Miri) on Sunday, outlined several key development projects aimed at improving access to healthcare and education across the state.
Among the healthcare initiatives announced was a new 76-bed hospital to be built in Lawas, northern Sarawak, with construction slated to begin in 2026.
This facility is expected to ease the long-standing burden on existing medical infrastructure in the region.
In addition, the long-delayed Petra Jaya Hospital, located in Kuching, is now on track for completion next year.
The hospital has faced multiple setbacks since construction began, but the renewed commitment is seen as a critical step toward bolstering Sarawak’s medical services.
Lukanisman said the developments are part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Health to decentralise and strengthen healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas.
Lukanisman also said the Sarawak government has approved a groundbreaking initiative to provide free tertiary education to eligible students beginning in 2026.
Under the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), students from low- and middle-income households will be able to pursue degree programmes at select institutions, including Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS).
To qualify, students must first complete a government-funded one-year foundation programme.
Degree programmes covered by the scheme will prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as courses in Law, Medicine, Accounting and Finance, fields identified as crucial to Sarawak’s green economy ambitions.
Students from households earning RM1,500 per capita per month or less will also receive a yearly stipend of RM15,000 to cover living expenses.
Additionally, each student will receive RM1,200 in pocket money through the state’s Spay digital platform.
“This initiative is a testament to Sarawak’s financial strength and the Premier’s foresight in ensuring education remains a priority,” Lukanisman said.
“We want to make sure our youths are equipped for the future.”
Lukanisman also highlighted the need for funding a new site and cultural building for the Miri Melanau Association (PMM).
He expressed hope that budget allocation for the project could be secured from the state government.
A proposal for the PMM cultural building was submitted to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the recent Hari Raya festivities.
If approved, the facility is expected to serve as a cultural hub for the Melanau community in northern Sarawak.
Lukanisman also revealed that a special parliamentary session will be convened today to address the recent tariff measures announced by former US President Donald Trump, which have had knock-on effects for Malaysia’s pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.
The Ministry of Health is among those monitoring the potential impact, particularly in relation to imported clinical devices, he said.
At the Raya gathering, Lukanisman pledged RM10,000 from his constituency fund and an additional RM10,000 under his capacity as Deputy Minister of Health.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, who attended the event, pledged RM10,000 to PMM and announced an RM120,000 allocation under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for Melanau Miri Association’s projects.
The event was also attended by Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Deputy Miri Mayor Ariffin Mohamad, and president of the Miri Melanau Association Abdullah Jaini.
