KUCHING: Plans are underway for the development of the proposed Sarawak Cancer Centre in Kota Samarahan.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said following the federal government’s recent approval of its construction, the next step involves assessing costing and design.
“Recently, in a meeting with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it was agreed that Sarawak would take the lead in the establishment of our cancer centre, initially funded by the Sarawak government.
“The federal government has more or less agreed, and a dedicated team has been formed to assess the cost and design. The (project) will later be reimbursed by the federal government,” he said.
He said this during the Satok Constituency Aidilfitri Gathering at the Haji Kamaruddin Hall, Kampung Segedup here today (Apr 27).
Fadillah, who is Petra Jaya MP, went on to say that Sarawak is the only state taking the initiative to provide funding upfront.
“This model will be used to develop other facilities, including dilapidated clinics and schools (in the state).
“Hence, this goes to show the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring development,” he said.
Fadillah added at the same time the people must strengthen unity and create opportunities for economic growth.
Last month, Anwar was reported as saying he has agreed to a new approach proposed by the Sarawak government, where the state initiates the funding with subsequent support from the federal government for the construction of the Sarawak Cancer Centre.
He described the collaborative effort as the ‘first of its kind in Malaysia’ aimed at expediting the establishment of the cancer centre to address the critical healthcare needs of cancer patients in Sarawak.
The Sarawak government had also previously proposed to provide a total of RM1 billion for funding the cancer centre, with the federal government responsible for providing medical specialists and equipment.
