BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has agreed to advance funding to ensure the timely development of the Sarawak Cancer Centre, underscoring the state’s commitment to improving access to specialised healthcare for the people, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the state had reached an agreement with the federal government to provide a RM1-billion loan for the construction of the hospital, which will be repaid by Putrajaya through an agreed installment arrangement within a stipulated timeframe.
“The development of the Cancer Centre is very important. So, we agreed with the federal government to loan amounting to RM1 billion to build the hospital, and the federal government will pay it back,” he told reporters after officiating the 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference held here today.
Abang Johari said that while the RM1-billion allocation covers the building works, it does not include medical equipment.
He said Sarawak also agreed to finance the procurement of cancer treatment equipment, estimated at RM500 million, bringing the total project cost to RM1.5 billion.
“The equipment alone is about RM0.5 billion. So the total becomes RM1.5 billion. The building will be paid back by the federal government, but the equipment they asked us to bear – and we agreed, for the sake of the people,” he said.
He stressed that the decision was driven by the need to ease the burden on cancer patients and their families, many of whom currently have to travel to Kuala Lumpur for treatment.
“Our intention is to make it easier for those facing cancer so they don’t have to go to KL. When a patient goes, the whole family often has to follow. We want to help the people,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak would make the upfront payment for the equipment using state funds, adding that the state was prepared to contribute despite the financial commitment involved.
“Never mind, we will make a contribution from the state. As long as we have the means, insya-Allah. We ask for prayers that Sarawak continues to be blessed with more sustenance,” he added.
The Sarawak Cancer Centre was among four strategic national projects presented at the Special Meeting to Monitor National Strategic Projects Bil. 3/2025 chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya last Monday (Dec. 15).
At the meeting, Anwar directed the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia to expedite the project, with clear milestones set to tender the project by the first quarter of 2026, commence construction by the third quarter of 2026, and ensure completion and operations before 2031.
The Sarawak Cancer Centre will have 310 beds with a gross floor area of approximately 154,498 square metres.
