KUCHING: The Sarawak Cleft Awareness Month 2025 reflects the shared commitment to improve the quality of life of children born with cleft lips and palates, ensuring that they receive comprehensive, compassionate care from birth through childhood.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said cleft care is a journey, one that requires teamwork among surgeons from plastic surgeon, paed dental, ENT surgeon, speech therapists, audiologists, nurses and many others.
“I commend all multidisciplinary partners including the Cleft Care Association Malaysia (CLAPAM) for their dedication, expertise, and continuous efforts to raise public awareness and deliver holistic cleft services across Sarawak.
“Through this awareness month, we aim to educate families, empower communities and reduce the stigma associated with cleft conditions.
“Together, we can ensire that every child has the opportunity to smile witj confidence and to thrive,” he said.
He said this in his speech, read out by Political Secretary to the Premier Kho Teck Wan during the Cleft Awanress Open Day 2025 at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) here on Friday (Oct 10).
Dr Sim also expressed his appreciation towards the healthcare workers on the ground, nurses and paramedics whose daily efforts often go unseen, yet whose impact is immeasurable.
“They are the unsung heroes we must continue to support, train and equip eith best resources possible,” he added.
Meanwhile, State Health Department (JKNS) director Dr Veronica Lugah said the awareness month highlightd not only the excellence of the medical team, but also the compassion and commitment to the well being of every child born with cleft lip and palate in Sarawak.
“Each year, babies are born with cleft conditions that affect their ability to feed, speak and smile confidently.
“Yet, with early intervention and dedication of our healthcare professionals, these children can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
“This is the true spirit of care, where skills meets empathy, and where hope begins with a smile.
“Let us continue to strengthen collaboration, across hospitald, clinics and communities, so that every smile we restore becones a symbol of hope for Sarawak’s future generation,” she said.
