Bekenu Old Market Refurbished into Health Hub, Promoting Practical Community-wide Health Services

(Miri, 21st) The 'Well Hub Sibuti Project' initiated by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Miri Division Health Office has officially launched, with the Bekenu Open-Air Market building currently being refurbished and upgraded into a one-stop community health service center. The project is expected to be completed by November 20, 2025.

The aim of this project is to align with the Ministry of Health's strategic shift from a 'disease-treatment oriented' approach to a 'health-oriented' direction, emphasizing the ability of the entire population for self-care and improving the overall health level of families and communities. The establishment of the Practical Health Hub is also an important part of the second pillar of the 'Healthy Malaysia National Agenda'—'Extending Health Services to the Community'—focusing on preventing risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

The Practical Health Hub will provide a wide range of health promotion services, including health risk assessments, smoking cessation counseling, weight management (the IFitEr "My Health, My Diet" program), healthy lifestyle consultations, sports and exercise promotion, health information exhibition halls, as well as a fitness room and health activity rooms.

These facilities mainly target teenagers, housewives, the elderly, and working adults, and are committed to promoting behavioral change through a skills-oriented approach, guiding the public in practicing healthy lifestyles.

The project is contracted by Indah Suria Enterprise, with a total cost of RM 977,804. The construction period is 24 weeks, officially commencing on June 5, 2025, and expected to be completed by November 20, 2025.

The refurbished building will feature a modern, eco-friendly design, equipped with administrative offices, consultation rooms, meeting rooms, multimedia rooms, exhibition spaces, gymnasium, and activity rooms—comprehensively functional and comfortable, specifically designed to uplift the health level of community residents.

Recently, the project construction site welcomed an official inspection. Deputy Health Minister Dato Lukanisman, Miri Division Health Officer Dr. Ravie, as well as officials from the Ministry of Health and Miri Division Health Office, attended the site briefing to learn about the project progress.