KUCHING: Sarawakians are called to take better responsibility for their own health as part of efforts to build a stronger and healthier state, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said the participation of 35 organisations in the ‘Together for Health’ programme showed the community’s growing awareness and commitment to personal well-being, but reminded that true change must come from individual responsibility.
Dr Sim emphasised that the gathering was not merely about the health programme itself, but about a shared purpose to encourage every Sarawakian to care for themselves.
“We are coming together because we must love ourselves. If you don’t love yourself, why should we love you?
“Because we love you, we want you to love yourself, and when you are healthy, you can help Sarawak.
“If you don’t love yourself and don’t take care of your health, instead of helping Sarawak, Sarawak will have to help you,” he said in his speech during the event at Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) headquarters here on Sunday.
He said every person has a role to play in improving Sarawak’s health outcomes.
“It is not just the responsibility of the government, private hospitals, insurance companies, or politicians.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of their own health,” he said.
Dr Sim also said the effort to promote health and wellness among Sarawakians is part of the state’s broader nation-building agenda.
“Whether we like it or not, Sarawak is ageing faster than the rest of Malaysia. We want Sarawakians to live longer, but more importantly, to live healthier.
“There is no quality of life if you spend your golden years in and out of hospitals,” he said.
He explained that the health programme serves as a reminder that prevention is better than cure, with screenings and check-ups being essential steps toward early detection and better outcomes.
“This morning’s event shows that health is everyone’s shared responsibility.
“Public awareness is crucial, and everyone must do something for themselves. Love yourself enough to take care of your health,” he said.
He noted that breast cancer remains the number one cancer in Sarawak, with more than 3,000 new cancer cases recorded in the state last year, the highest ever.
“Awareness is key. People must know about self-examinations, mammograms, and regular check-ups. If you don’t even know, you’ll never go and check.
“Many Sarawakians only find out when it’s too late, which is why our cancer survival rate remains low,” he said.
Dr Sim urged Sarawakians to be proactive and consistent in caring for their health.
“Health is a shared responsibility, not just for the government or hospitals, but for every Sarawakian.
“Care for yourself, play your role, and do your part. That’s how we build a stronger, healthier Sarawak together,” he said.
