(Kuching, 3rd) SUPP Youth Central Chairman Larry Sng expressed grave concern regarding the Federal Ministry of Finance's directive to cut RM3.06 billion from the Ministry of Health's operating expenses, warning that this move could further strain Malaysia's already stretched public healthcare system.
In a press statement, he pointed out that while he understands the government's fiscal pressures amidst global uncertainties, the decision to cut spending at a time when there is an ongoing nationwide shortage of doctors, nurses, and key medical resources is worrying.
He warned that this cut would inevitably add to the burden of frontline healthcare workers and impact patient care as well as the overall efficiency of medical services.
Speaking on the situation in Sarawak, Larry Sng said that due to persistent infrastructure issues, the impact there could be even more pronounced. He noted that it is estimated around 76% of clinics in Sarawak are in poor condition, and hospitals across the state are in urgent need of upgrading and rebuilding.
"It is expected that RM17 billion is needed to bring medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals, up to ideal standards."
"Cutting operating expenses in such circumstances may cause the already dilapidated infrastructure to further deteriorate."
He added that this would ultimately affect the quality of healthcare services for the people of Sarawak, especially those living in rural and remote areas.
Larry Sng stressed that there must be full communication and consultation between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and the Sarawak government regarding the details and implementation of the cuts.
He pointed out that Sarawak has demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare development, including advancing funds for the Sarawak Cancer Hospital, with the federal government to reimburse the costs later.
Additionally, he said, the Sarawak government, at the federal government's request, agreed to provide RM500 million for medical equipment for the Sarawak Cancer Centre; in contrast, a cancer hospital project in Kedah was fully funded by Putrajaya.
Larry Sng echoed Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah's call that any national operating budget cuts must be handled with caution and should be tabled for parliamentary scrutiny.
"This would allow MPs to have a full debate and make decisions that best serve the interests of the people."
He emphasized that given Sarawak's vast territory and long-standing infrastructure gaps—facing unique healthcare challenges compared to Peninsular Malaysia—he once again called for greater healthcare autonomy for Sarawak.
He said that allowing Sarawak to manage its own healthcare system would help formulate more targeted, efficient, and locally-appropriate solutions to better serve its people.
He warned that this cut would inevitably add to the burden of frontline healthcare workers and impact patient care as well as the overall efficiency of medical services.
Speaking on the situation in Sarawak, Larry Sng said that due to persistent infrastructure issues, the impact there could be even more pronounced. He noted that it is estimated around 76% of clinics in Sarawak are in poor condition, and hospitals across the state are in urgent need of upgrading and rebuilding.
"It is expected that RM17 billion is needed to bring medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals, up to ideal standards."
"Cutting operating expenses in such circumstances may cause the already dilapidated infrastructure to further deteriorate."
He added that this would ultimately affect the quality of healthcare services for the people of Sarawak, especially those living in rural and remote areas.
Larry Sng stressed that there must be full communication and consultation between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and the Sarawak government regarding the details and implementation of the cuts.
He pointed out that Sarawak has demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare development, including advancing funds for the Sarawak Cancer Hospital, with the federal government to reimburse the costs later.
Additionally, he said, the Sarawak government, at the federal government's request, agreed to provide RM500 million for medical equipment for the Sarawak Cancer Centre; in contrast, a cancer hospital project in Kedah was fully funded by Putrajaya.
Larry Sng echoed Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah's call that any national operating budget cuts must be handled with caution and should be tabled for parliamentary scrutiny.
"This would allow MPs to have a full debate and make decisions that best serve the interests of the people."
He emphasized that given Sarawak's vast territory and long-standing infrastructure gaps—facing unique healthcare challenges compared to Peninsular Malaysia—he once again called for greater healthcare autonomy for Sarawak.
He said that allowing Sarawak to manage its own healthcare system would help formulate more targeted, efficient, and locally-appropriate solutions to better serve its people.