DEBAK: The Sarawak government has allocated RM11 million to fully rebuild the Maternal and Child Health Clinic here, as part of efforts to strengthen rural healthcare access.
Community Wellbeing Development Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said the current facility, built in 1973, is in poor condition and no longer fit for use.
Razi said the new clinic would offer a safer, more comfortable and modern environment for both patients and healthcare workers, in line with Sarawak’s development goals under the 2030 agenda.
“The existing building is made almost entirely of wood, about 99 per cent, and is no longer safe or practical for long-term operations.
“I hope the funds can be channelled efficiently through the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), and that construction can begin as soon as possible with a building design that is suitable and practical,” he said.
He said this during the launch of the Sarawak Heritage Healthy Lifestyle Carnival 2025 at Rumah Jembat, Ulu Dit here yesterday (Jul 4).
The event was organised by the Ministry of Health Training Institute (ILKKM) in collaboration with the Health Ministry (MoH).
Razi, who is also the Saribas assemblyman, commended the efforts of ILKKM and the healthcare teams involved, noting that the carnival brought together nurses, medical assistants and students from various regions, including those from Peninsular Malaysia who spent the night in the longhouse with local residents.
“Programmes like this reflect a people-friendly approach that aligns with Sarawak’s outreach strategy. We want direct engagement with the community when it comes to health and wellbeing,” he said.
He added that the government places strong emphasis on public health, pointing out that infrastructure development means little if the people are not healthy enough to benefit from it.
The one-day carnival featured free health screenings, public health talks, exhibitions and emergency response demonstrations, benefiting residents from Ulu Dit and nearby areas.
Community Wellbeing Development Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said the current facility, built in 1973, is in poor condition and no longer fit for use.
Razi said the new clinic would offer a safer, more comfortable and modern environment for both patients and healthcare workers, in line with Sarawak’s development goals under the 2030 agenda.
“The existing building is made almost entirely of wood, about 99 per cent, and is no longer safe or practical for long-term operations.
“I hope the funds can be channelled efficiently through the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), and that construction can begin as soon as possible with a building design that is suitable and practical,” he said.
He said this during the launch of the Sarawak Heritage Healthy Lifestyle Carnival 2025 at Rumah Jembat, Ulu Dit here yesterday (Jul 4).
The event was organised by the Ministry of Health Training Institute (ILKKM) in collaboration with the Health Ministry (MoH).
Razi, who is also the Saribas assemblyman, commended the efforts of ILKKM and the healthcare teams involved, noting that the carnival brought together nurses, medical assistants and students from various regions, including those from Peninsular Malaysia who spent the night in the longhouse with local residents.
“Programmes like this reflect a people-friendly approach that aligns with Sarawak’s outreach strategy. We want direct engagement with the community when it comes to health and wellbeing,” he said.
He added that the government places strong emphasis on public health, pointing out that infrastructure development means little if the people are not healthy enough to benefit from it.
The one-day carnival featured free health screenings, public health talks, exhibitions and emergency response demonstrations, benefiting residents from Ulu Dit and nearby areas.