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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
‘Be responsible, go for timely screenings', says Dr Sim on colorectal cancer risk
Dr Sim encouraged the public to go for timely cancer screenings, also revealing that he had recently undergone his first colonoscopy. KUCHING (Aug 16): Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide and in Malaysia, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. 'Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, but the second most common cancer in Malaysia. It is the most common cancer among Malaysian men, and the second most common among women,' he said in a Facebook post. He thus encouraged the public to go for timely cancer screenings, also revealing that he had recently undergone his first colonoscopy. Recounting his own experience, he admitted feeling anxious while waiting for his biopsy results. 'I had my first colonoscopy a few days ago as I just belong to the high-risk category. 'As a doctor, I must admit I felt anxious for more than 24 hours waiting for the biopsy results, but was relieved that it was a satisfactory outcome,' he said, adding he would still need six-monthly colonoscopy surveillance. He thanked well-wishers for their prayers and support, while stressing the importance of timely screening. 'Let us love ourselves and take responsibility for our health. Please don't forget your timely colorectal cancer screening, breast cancer screening, heart screening, and so on.' According to him, Malaysia currently recommends colorectal cancer screening for individuals aged 50 to 75 who are at average risk, while those considered high-risk are advised to begin screening before the age of 45. In countries such as Australia, the recommended age to start is 45. 'For very high-risk individuals, I personally believe screening should begin as early as 35,' he said. According to the Health Ministry, colorectal cancer remains one of the leading cancers in Malaysia, with early detection through colonoscopy and other screening methods significantly improving treatment outcomes. Meanwhile, in a separate Facebook post, Dr Sim expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) and its agencies for an advanced birthday celebration held in his honour. Senior officials from MPLGH, led by permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh, presented Dr Sim with a birthday cake during a courtesy call on Friday. Dr Sim's birthday is on Aug 18. He will turn 60 this year. colorectal cancer Dr Sim Kui Hian early sceening
Borneo Post
09-08-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Only six of 850 S'wkian healthcare workers in West Malaysia transferred home in six months, says Dr Sim
Dr Sim greets pupils participating in the Kempen Internet Selamat, a campaign promoting safe internet use among children, as part of the launch event. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 9): Only six out of 850 Sarawakian healthcare workers in West Malaysia waiting to be transferred back to their home state have successfully returned over the past six months, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian revealed today. Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak's Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), said manpower remains the immediate challenge as Sarawak pushes for greater health autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'The immediate issue is manpower, including medical officers and nurses. Even at the last meeting, we informed them there are 850 Sarawakian nurses in West Malaysia, with their names and other details, who want to come back. 'So far, after six months, only six have been transferred back. That's not good,' he told reporters after officiating the launch of the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) Batu Kawah here today. Dr Sim was asked about the Ministry of Health's (MoH) recent mandate requiring contract medical officers appointed to permanent positions to select at least one placement option in Sabah or Sarawak through the e-Placement 2.0 system. Dr Sim signs the plaque to officiate Nadi Batu Kawah today. — Photo by Chimon Upon He was asked whether this move, aimed at addressing the uneven distribution of healthcare personnel between Peninsular Malaysia and the Borneo states, would help resolve the doctor shortage. Dr Sim stressed that Sarawakians, or 'Anak Sarawak' with the 'K' designation, are entitled to return and serve in their home state, and that the government wants them back. He attributed the slow progress mainly to administrative challenges and said these issues need to be addressed under the terms of MA63 as part of ongoing negotiations for health autonomy. Dr Sim also said his ministry will meet with the Ministry of Health (MoH) Malaysia next Monday (Aug 11) to discuss progress. 'We will talk more about medical registration and related matters. They have made some progress, but we don't want to say anything now. 'We have received some good news, but we must keep track of issues like the 850 nurses wanting to return to Sarawak. We have already submitted their names, yet only six have managed to come back. There have been all sorts of excuses. I will bring this up in the meeting with them,' he added. Dr Sim Kui Hian health autonomy healthcare workers Malaysia Agreement 1963
