KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reiterated his call for the Federal government to establish a cancer centre here in Sarawak.
He said that though the project will be costly, the Sarawak government was willing to give an advance to the federal government to build the centre.
“I would like to suggest to the federal government to set up a cancer centre here. It is very costly, I know. Perhaps it would cost about RM800 million to RM1 billion.
“But we can advance to you to build this centre in Sarawak. The MOH (Ministry of Health) can help in terms of doctors and equipment.,” he said at the 20th anniversary dinner of Sarawak Heart Centre on yesterday (Jan 16).
Adding on, he said that the details of the financial arrangements could be discussed later between the Sarawak government and the MOH.
“If you (federal government) agree, we can start by the end of the year. In terms of financial, we can help to advance,” he assured.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak was in dire need of such centre as there is an increasing number of cancer patients.
“It is expensive for cancer patients to seek treatment in Kuala Lumpur, especially those from the rural areas and the low income group,” he said.
He said if Sarawak were to have its own cancer centre here, patients from other parts of Sarawak as well as from Sabah or Kalimantan, Indonesia can come for treatment at the centre at lower costs.
“But at the end of the day, it’s the decision of the federal government. But we can collaborate for the sake of our people.”
Abang Johari disclosed plan to send a delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian for a working visit to the Samsung Biologics company in Seoul, South Korea.
According to him, the company is conducting research on cancer, especially in the manufacture of drugs where, if successful, the drug will treat cancer cells without affecting other cells.
