The Sarawak Cancer Centre project is now on an expedited schedule following a directive from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Public Works Department (JKR), as stated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Dr Sim announced that JKR has been tasked with tendering the RM1.5 billion project by the first quarter of 2026, commencing construction by the third quarter of 2026, and ensuring that the facility is operational before 2031.

Project Overview

This decision was made during a special meeting aimed at monitoring national strategic projects held in Putrajaya.

“One of the four projects discussed during this meeting is the Sarawak Cancer Centre, a public hospital under the Ministry of Health (MoH) Malaysia, with JKR Malaysia as the executing agency. The center will feature 310 beds and a gross floor area of approximately 154,498.26 square meters, equivalent to around 1,500 shop houses,” he explained.

Dr Sim expressed gratitude to PMX (Anwar) for instructing JKR Malaysia to expedite the project timeline in a Facebook post.

Funding and Future Vision

As the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, Dr Sim noted that the project cost of RM1.5 billion was established following a value laboratory exercise conducted by the MoH and JKR. He added that the Sarawak government is providing a RM1 billion loan to the federal government to support the project’s implementation.

“Upon completion, the Sarawak Cancer Centre will stand as the largest and only fully dedicated cancer center in Malaysia,” he said.

Additionally, it will play a crucial role in the Sarawak Health Metropolis in Samarahan, a 6km corridor that integrates healthcare, higher education, research, and industry.

Healthcare Integration

This area will also encompass the Sarawak Heart Centre, Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Hospital, Unimas, and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak, along with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and the Samajaya Free Industrial Zone.

Dr Sim emphasized that while infrastructure development is vital, the primary challenge in delivering specialist medical services in Sarawak and Malaysia is attracting and retaining qualified specialist doctors and nurses.

Dr Sim (right) chats with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad at the meeting.

“In 2025, our medical services in Sarawak have advanced beyond basic general specialist services to include sub-specialized services such as the Heart Centre and Cancer Centre,” he noted.

“However, these sub-specialists are in demand globally, not just in Sarawak or Malaysia. A significant challenge for Malaysia is retaining them, especially since their compensation is not competitive with neighboring countries like Singapore or Australia,” he added.

Long-Term Development

Reflecting on Sarawak’s experience with the Sarawak Heart Centre, Dr Sim shared that it took over two decades for the center to gain recognition among the top 100 heart centers in the Asia-Pacific region.

This recognition eventually led to federal approval for the establishment of satellite heart centers at Bintulu Hospital, followed by Miri Hospital and Sibu Hospital.

“In the context of sub-specialist hospitals such as heart or cancer centers, it is crucial that we not only establish world-class infrastructure but also cultivate world-class medical professionals. This ensures that we provide cutting-edge services alongside advancements in medical research,” he emphasized.

Commitment to Standards

He also pointed out the growing reputation of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), which has been recognized as Malaysia’s top clinical research hospital for the past three years, gaining increasing acknowledgment from medical and scientific communities across the region.

Dr Sim reiterated his commitment to maintaining high medical standards, insisting on the importance of not compromising on the quality of doctors and specialists, even in times of scarcity.

“There must be no shortcuts when it comes to human life,” he concluded.

The post PM tells JKR to speed up Sarawak Cancer Centre project, tender by 1Q 2026 appeared first on Borneo Post Online.