Latest news with #SarawakGeneralHospital
Free Malaysia Today
05-08-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak emerges as leading state for first-in-human cancer drug trials
Sarawak deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said these achievements have put the state on the global map and demonstrate that local expertise can meet international research standards. KUALA LUMPUR : Sarawak has emerged as the leading state for first-in-human clinical trials in Malaysia, with Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) playing a key role in testing new cancer drugs. Deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state had now conducted eight such trials, and that of the 25 new oncology drugs developed and marketed globally, eight had a footprint in Sarawak. 'Before last year, there had never been a first-in-human trial done in Malaysia. People didn't trust us, or we were not up to expectations. 'But since last year, first-in-human clinical trials have been done in Malaysia, five last year alone. Four of them were done at SGH, and there are four more this year,' he said at the 5th Asean International Oncology Integrative Medicine Session here today. First-in-human trials involve testing new drugs on people for the first time and are considered critical in the development of life-saving treatments, particularly for cancer. Sim said these achievements had put Sarawak on the global map and demonstrated that local expertise could meet international research standards. 'This shows that we are no longer just seen as a third-world country. If you don't have first-in-human trials, there will be no new drug discoveries for cancer.' He added that 155 clinical trials had been conducted in the state, making it one of the top contributors among 267 trial sites across Malaysia. He also said such trials were governed by strict international standards. 'You cannot just say, 'I want to be a first-in-human site'. These sites are monitored very strictly, not just by Malaysians, but by the companies as well,' he said. 'Worldwide, there are only about 30 sites that meet these standards, so you must be a top-tier centre to qualify.' Despite these achievements, Sim expressed concern over the state of facilities at SGH's cancer centre. 'In Sarawak, I always say, you go to the cancer department not sick but (then) become sick, because the facilities are not ideal, not up to standard,' he said. He said the federal government had cited financial constraints when asked for funds to upgrade the facilities. 'So the Sarawak government said, let's form a partnership. The Sarawak government will come in with RM1 billion first. If that's not enough, let us know, and when the federal government has money, they can start paying us back. 'Are we supposed to wait until there's money? By then people would have died. We care more about saving lives first,' he added.
Borneo Post
05-08-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
RM100,000 aid to improve services, enhance patient care at SGH
Dr Yii (centre) hands over the cheque to SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung (right). KUCHING (Aug 5): Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii's parliamentary office has allocated RM100,000 to support critical upgrades at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). The Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker said a major portion of this funding will be used to procure 20 new computers. 'Those new devices will be distributed across key departments including the one-stop counter, plastic surgery clinic, emergency department, surgical wards, bed management unit, infection control unit, gynaecology ward, and female medical ward,' he said in a statement yesterday. Dr Yii added that the upgrade will significantly enhance the hospital's digital infrastructure, streamline work processes, and improve service quality for both patients and staff. The allocation will also cover the purchase of 10 chairs for the one-stop counter, two air-conditioning units for the ticketing counter and ID clinic, 50 portable drainage stands (PODS), and four infusion pumps. 'These upgrades are essential to improving the hospital's functionality, ensuring a more comfortable environment for patients and staff, and strengthening SGH's capacity to deliver timely and quality care,' he said. Dr Yii noted that SGH has long been one of the busiest and most vital healthcare institutions in the region, managing a consistently high patient volumes. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting the hospital's efforts to enhance its facilities services.
Malay Mail
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Palm oil tanker crashes in Kuching, driver sustains minor injuries as spill is contained
KUCHING, June 9 — The driver of a palm oil tanker sustained minor injuries after the vehicle crashed near Jalan Setia Raja here this morning. The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) dispatched a team from Tabuan Jaya fire station after receiving a call at 10.31am. Firefighters and police are currently at the scene assessing the situation, while the driver has been taken to the Sarawak General Hospital for treatment. It was observed that palm oil from the tanker had spilled to the roadside ditch. 'No rescue operation was conducted as the oil spill was on a grassy roadside and does not pose any hazard to motorists. 'Firefighters only conducted safety surveillance at the scene,' Bomba said. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Borneo Post
54-year-old Lamborghini driver arrested after foreign worker killed while crossing Jalan Airport in Kuching
Police photo shows the condition of the Lamborghini after the fatal crash. KUCHING (May 28): Police have arrested a 54-year-old Lamborghini driver in connection with the death of a pedestrian at Jalan Airport here yesterday evening. In a statement today, Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the probe is being carried out under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for committing death by dangerous or reckless driving. The Section provides for five to 10 years in jail and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000 upon conviction. It is believed that the suspect was driving the sports car from Jalan Airport to Padungan when the fatal accident happened. The fatal victim, a 52-year-old foreigner working on the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project, was crossing the road when the accident occurred. He was subsequently declared dead at the scene by medical personnel from the Sarawak General Hospital. Alexson called on those who witnessed the accident or have useful information on the accident to contact investigating officer ASP Lucas Apin on 013-8246881 or 082-259900, or to go to the nearest police station. He also advised pedestrians and motorists to be more careful, alert, and focussed when on the road to avoid untoward incidents and breaking the law. Alexson Naga Chabu Jalan Airport Lamborghini lead Lucas Apin
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Rh17 donor hailed hero after rare blood type sent to KL for ectopic pregnancy surgery
The blood bank said those with the rare Rh17 blood type such as the patient's can only accept the same blood type. – Photo from Facebook/Blood Bank Hospital Umum Sarawak KUCHING (May 15): A woman in Kuala Lumpur urgently requiring surgery for an ectopic pregnancy received help from hundreds of kilometres away thanks a donor here with her rare blood type. The Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Blood Bank said donor Vencent Voon Sin Thung, who possesses the same rare Rh17 blood type as the patient, who requires a transfusion during surgery. 'The patient has Rh17 blood, which is rarely found among the Malaysian population. 'Individuals like her can only receive blood from donors with the same blood type. This is because receiving blood from a different donor group can cause an acute blood reaction, which may endanger the patient's life,' the blood bank said in a Facebook post. It said Voon's blood was transported by cargo plane to Kuala Lumpur for the patient. 'We pray for the patient's safety and speedy recovery. 'On behalf of the patient, we express our heartfelt thanks to our hero Mr Vencent Voon Sin Thung.' The blood bank also explained that Rh17, also known as -D-/-D-, is considered rare because it lacks C/c and E/e antigens in red blood cells due to the inactivation of the RHCE gene. 'The RHCE gene may also be partially inactivated and is especially found among individuals of Caucasian descent, whose parents may be first cousins or distant relatives. 'Rare blood types can vary between countries depending on geographical population and specific ethnic groups. 'While Rh17 is rarely found among the general Malaysian population, in Sarawak, it is found in a small number of the Bidayuh community,' it said. It said individuals with the Rh17 blood group can produce anti-Rh17 antibodies following immune stimulation, such as during pregnancy or a blood transfusion. 'As such, these individuals can only receive blood from donors with the same Rh17 blood group if they need a transfusion.' The blood bank said one of the ways to identify those with rare blood-types is when they join donation drives. 'We will conduct blood group and phenotype testing and among the rare phenotypes are Rhesus negative, R2R2, JK3 (Jka-b-), Rh17, Ind b-, Rh null, Bombay, Parabombay, and many others. 'All donor data will be stored in the Rare Blood Registry to ensure quick response during emergencies.' The blood bank said if a donor is found to have a rare blood type, it will reach out to them and their close family members to undergo the same tests to determine whether they share the same rare blood type. 'This is why we always encourage the public, especially the youths, to become regular blood donors,' it added.
