KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak is poised to draw global medical attention after researchers discovered a plant-based compound in the state’s biodiversity that could potentially be developed to help treat cancer.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the compound is now being studied by medical experts who will determine its viability.
“We have many natural materials that can help treat cancer. I do not want to reveal it yet. I leave that to the doctors and experts. But there is already a compound.
“A compound found in plants in Sarawak that can be processed by experts to help treat cancer. Imagine if this is proven with proper evidence – the whole world will come to Sarawak for cancer treatment,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Samarahan Boulevard here today (Jan 17).
Abang Johari said this discovery strengthens the state government’s commitment to developing a dedicated cancer centre in Kuching, adding that Sarawak is helping to finance the facility’s high-cost equipment.
“We are working together with KL (federal government) because they lack funding. We will help first -they can pay us back later. But the equipment alone, we are covering half a billion,” he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak’s long-term plans to build a forward-looking workforce through the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) at state-owned institutions, with future phases aimed at supporting Sarawakian students in national public universities.
“We train our children, and previously, we prioritised universities owned by Sarawak. We look at how our revenue grows, and later on, perhaps we will find ways to provide assistance to our children who study in the public universities owned by Malaysia. That will be the second stage,” he added.
Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak’s rise as a regional leader in renewable energy, noting that the state is already exporting power across Borneo and beyond.
“In ASEAN, Sarawak is one of the leading players in renewable green energy. We export electricity to West Kalimantan, and soon to Sabah, Brunei, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore,” he said.
He also said that Sarawak is at the forefront of the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, and recent investments in East Kalimantan reflect the region’s growing demand for reliable green energy.
He added that the ongoing federal studies for the Borneo Rail and the development of the Borneo Grid would further strengthen regional connectivity in the long term.
