MIRI: Sarawak Assistant Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting is calling for donations to the Miri Hospital molecular lab extension project.
He said the extension, which would increase the PCR testing capacity, was not a government initiative but by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“We want to thank the Kita Jaga Miri group which took up this challenge when they found out that the number of positive cases in Miri was high, and they wanted to do their best to help Mirians,” he said after visiting the project site on Friday (June 4).
The NGOs that are part of the Kita Jaga Miri platform are Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Miri Branch, Federation of Miri Division Chinese Association Sarawak (Youth Section), Rotary Club on Miri Oil Town (RCMOT) and Advocates Association of Sarawak Miri Branch.
“James Hii Sing Lung, chairman of Sheda Miri Branch, has contributed half of the cost for the medical equipment, and others have contributed as well.
“Despite this, we are still in need of some funds so that this project can be completed as soon as possible, and those who wish to contribute can contact me or the NGOs.”
Ting hoped that the project could be completed by next Friday.
“Work has commenced. And I’m here to say thank you to our volunteer group and all those involved.
“I’m very grateful to them and I also want to thank Mirians who have come forward to donate.”
Meanwhile, the NGOs said they were asking relevant government departments, other NGOs and corporate organisations to consider collaborating with them on the project .
Upon completion, the swab testing capacity at Miri Hospital would be increased from 800 tests per day to 1,400 tests per day.
