BY GILLIAN NESSLYN & NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS
KUCHING: Sarawak is set to be among the first states in Malaysia to enforce the Strategic Implementation of Maggot Therapy in Wound Management, a move aimed at revolutionising diabetic foot care and reducing avoidable amputations.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the initiative would be carried out with the support and expert guidance of educators and researchers at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), to ensure clinical quality and adherence to best practices.
“This collaboration is very important to ensure that patients receive safe and effective treatment through innovative and proven methods,” he said.
He said this in his speech, read by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, during the opening of the Third D-Foot International Wound Conference 2025 at Imperial Hotel here today.
He added that the ministry is proud of its continued collaboration with the Malaysian Society of Wound Care Professionals (MSWCP), whose Free Home Nursing Charity Programme continues to reach the most vulnerable communities, offering free, compassionate wound care services at the patient’s doorstep.
“Their distribution of Wound Care Kits across all states and even to other countries is a testament to their commitment to elevate wound care standards not just locally, but globally,” he added.
Meanwhile, MSWCP President, Datuk Dr Harikrishna K.R. Nair, said the association’s main aim was to prevent avoidable amputations globally.
“We are proud of our educational initiatives, especially the Train the Foot Trainer programme which is currently being implemented in seven regions,” he said.
He also noted that diabetes is a growing problem in Malaysia, with one in five individuals suffering from the disease.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been providing free wound care services to the B40 group nationwide.
“Many patients, especially in Sarawak, have had difficulty accessing treatment due to cost and distance.
“This situation puts pressure on families and can lead to serious complications,” he added.
Dr Harikrishna stressed that education is a very important aspect in addressing this issue.
“We are organising courses, conferences, workshops and webinars to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge to comprehensively assess and treat diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
“With the right treatment, we can save limbs and speed up wound healing,” he said.
He called for continued collaboration to ensure the success of this initiative, and strengthen wound care practices in the region.
At the event, MSWCP signed a Letter of Understanding with University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to facilitate in starting a laboratory which will supply sterile maggots to Sarawak and Sabah.
Similarly, the two-day conference is jointly organised by the MSWCP and D-Foot International, which brings together local and international experts in the field of diabetic foot care.
