(Kuching, 17th) — Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari said that local Sarawak plants contain certain compounds that may have potential in cancer research, but further scientific validation is still needed before any medical application.
He revealed that local experts have discovered compounds in some Sarawak plants that may aid in cancer research. “I will leave the details to the doctors and experts, but the potential of these compounds has begun to be studied.” He made these remarks when attending and officiating the Samarahan Avenue groundbreaking ceremony.
Abang Johari added that if these findings gain sufficient supporting evidence, Sarawak will attract global researchers and patients seeking advanced cancer treatments. He also mentioned Sarawak’s dedicated cancer center project, with a total construction cost of RM500 million, where the building expenses will be initially borne by Kuala Lumpur, and the Sarawak state government will be responsible for the medical equipment costs.
He explained that Sarawak’s vast land resources make it possible to carry out large-scale greening and research projects. Citing Singapore as an example, he said: “Although Singapore is not large in area, it plants all kinds of tropical plants in its green spaces. In Sarawak, we have 124,000 square kilometers of land—enough to plan large green areas for recreation, research, and tourism.”
As part of this vision, more than 1,000 acres of green space near Samarahan Avenue will become part of Samarahan Park. This park will not only provide jogging tracks, tree planting, and other public recreational spaces, but will also support research projects on tropical plants, including anti-cancer plants.