Latest news with #RolandChia
Daily Express
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Government improving healthcare services: Chief Minister
Published on: Monday, May 05, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Hajiji's speech was delivered by his Political Secretary Datuk Dr Roland Chia. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare services for the people, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic). 'Dental professionals play a crucial role in the overall health of our people, and the government is constantly looking for ways to improve access to high-quality dental care. 'This congress serves as a platform to exchange ideas on how we can all work together to ensure that dental care continues to evolve and thrive in our state and region,' he said at the 13th Borneo Dental Congress and Trade Exhibition at the Magellan Sutera Harbour, here Saturday. His speech was delivered by his Political Secretary Datuk Dr Roland Chia. Hajiji said the congress theme 'Beam Forward, Illuminate Progress' was apt as it reflected the ongoing progress and innovation within the dental profession. 'Dentistry, as we know it, has seen remarkable advancements over the years, and this congress presents a unique opportunity for you in the dental profession to exchange knowledge, share the latest advancement and technology, and collaborate on ideas that will drive the future of dental care. 'We all recognise the importance of oral health in maintaining overall well-being. The connection between oral health and general health is undeniable, and as we face new challenges in healthcare, it is essential that we continue to innovate and strive for excellence in the way we provide dental care,' he said. Hajiji hoped this congress will pave the way for new ideas, solutions, and innovations that will benefit not only the dental profession but also the communities you serve. 'I hope this congress will inspire you to continue pushing the boundaries of dental care and build lasting connections that will shape the future of dentistry. My best wishes to all of you for a fruitful and successful congress and exhibition,' he said. About over 656 exhibitor personnel and delegates from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and India had participated in the three days event which started from May 1 until May 4 this year. According to Dr Angelmerici Wong, the event brings together leading dental professionals and industry players under the forward-looking theme, 'Beam Forward, Illuminate Progress'. She said the delegates were gathering in Sabah to share knowledge, explore advancements and network with peers, embodying the event's core aim of fostering cross-border collaboration and enhancing dental practices across nations. 'Complementing the scientific sessions is a comprehensive Trade Exhibition showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services from 43 leading dental companies. This provides delegates with direct awareness and support for these vital local organisations. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Sabah to implement state-wide water fluoridation policy
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will commit to water fluoridation as part of its health policy, to be implemented at administrative level. This comes after data showing 63.3% of 12-year-olds in Sabah suffer from dental caries, the highest rate in the country and more than double the national average. "This is more than a health issue – it's about equity and quality of life. Water fluoridation is a proven, cost-effective solution," said dentist Datuk Dr Roland Chia, who is also the Chief Minister's political secretary, during the 13th Borneo Congress and Trade Exhibition on Saturday (May 3). The fluoridation programme was halted in Sabah 1989 over supervision issues. In 2011, an attempt was made to revive it backed by RM2.5mil in federal funding but it failed to take off. Dr Chia did not state when implementation would begin but said technical discussions are underway. Currently, only 11 of Sabah's 84 water treatment plants are equipped with fluoride feeders, covering just 3.7% of the population. Major towns such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau still receive non-fluoridated water. A special task force has been formed under the Joint Action Committee for Health Development in Sabah to oversee the rollout co-chaired by federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Community Development Minister Datuk James Ratib. According to Sabah Health Department deputy director Dr Thaddius Herman Maling, the state is also facing a shortage of dental professionals with only 306 government dentists at 44 public and 213 private clinics, translating to a dentist-to-population ratio of 1:4,754. "The issue is not just numbers. Many out-of-state dentists leave after two years, which disrupts continuity of care. We urgently need more Sabah-born dentists," he said. To address this, Dr Chia said the state fully supports Universiti Malaysia Sabah's plan to establish a dentistry programme. "Once we have a dental school, we can train and retain our own professionals. This is about equity and long-term resilience," said Dr Chia.
