KUCHING: The need for stoma procedures and incontinence care is increasing steadily in Sarawak, turning into not just a medical issue but also a social and family concern.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said while colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, it is the second most common in Malaysia, and the most common among men in Sarawak, with about 350 new cases reported annually.
“Incontinence is part of aging. Whether we like it or not, aging is going to be here. The medical condition with the need for stoma is increasing all the time, and incontinence is also increasing all the time.
“This is not only a medical issue, but a social issue, a family issue, a patient issue, and all sorts of issues that we need to come together to address,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the opening of the 2nd Sarawak Stoma & Continence Symposium 2025 at Borneo Cultures Museum here on Saturday.
Dr Sim said advances in medical technology and skills development are crucial in helping patients, adding that Sarawak is determined not to be left behind despite challenges in healthcare funding and manpower.
“Even though we are in the jungle of Borneo, we also do not want to be left out, because we still got colon cancer, we still got aging.
“Not just because we are in the jungle of Borneo, we don’t have any of this. And I want all of you to realise that even from the jungle of Borneo, we can do well. We can be global,” he said.
Citing Sarawak’s achievements in healthcare, he said Sarawak Heart Centre has been ranked among the world’s top 100 heart centres for two years in a row, despite being understaffed and underfunded.
“We are not the biggest hospital. We are not the oldest hospital. It’s because the people, it’s the staff, it’s everyone coming together, the community coming together. That is another great example of spirit,” he said.
Dr Sim also highlighted the role of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) as a leading research hub, despite not being a university hospital.
“Our doctors are so busy seeing patients, yet SGH is a top research hospital. Even the Prime Minister mentioned SGH as a good example. SGH has been the top research site for the Ministry of Health three years in a row,” he said.
More than 250 health practitioners, including doctors and nurses, participated in the symposium, which highlighted advances in surgery, nursing and medical technology while also giving space to patients’ voices.
Ostomate sharing sessions underscored that every stoma is not just a surgical outcome, but part of a life story deserving respect and support.
The programme also covered colorectal health, early colonoscopy screening, stoma care, urinary incontinence, rehabilitation, as well as updates from industry leaders and personal patient experiences.
