BINTULU: The Sarawak Government is exploring the potential of regenerative medicine by tapping into the state’s rich biodiversity.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that he has tasked a medical centre to conduct research on the subject.
“I am not a professional doctor, but I read with interest the development of regenerative medicine. Some say it is opposite to western medicine, but I think medicine is medicine, as long as you can cure disease,” he said.
He said that regenerative medicine involves finding compounds that match with those in the body to restore ageing or damaged cells.
Artificial intelligence (AI), he added, could be used to identify suitable cell matches, which may help the body to heal and potentially live longer.
“We have our own resources in terms of biocapacity and you can do that research. The medical professionals and scientists, they can analyse whether we have those sorts of compounds in our plants that can match with what is needed in regenerative medicine.
“And I was told this is something new, but the Sarawak Government is exploring that idea, to study the field of regenerative medicine and to do research on whatever we have,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his speech during the official relaunching for Kemena Pacific Hospital here today.
He said that while the field is still new, Sarawak intends to explore it as part of a broader healthcare research agenda, alongside its RM300 million investment in a research centre for tropical diseases in Samarahan, which is expected to be completed by 2028.
The Premier also highlighted Sarawak’s RM1-billion investment in establishing the state’s first cancer centre in Borneo, aimed at reducing the burden of patients who currently need to travel to Kuala Lumpur for oncology treatment.
At a press conference, Abang Johari said that the Sarawak Government is collaborating with hospitals in China to explore the field of regenerative medicine.
He said the field is a new area in medicine and deserves attention.
“We know that China is indeed advanced in this field. Therefore, Sarawak, through Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, is working together with the hospital in China, which is exploring developments in regenerative medicine,” he said.
