Latest news with #SarawakStateHealthDepartment
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Sarawak cancer centre project tops MA63 meeting agenda this Monday
KUCHING, Aug 9 — The proposed Sarawak Cancer Centre project will be among the items on the agenda at the upcoming Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) meeting this Monday. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that preparations for the centre are underway, and coordination with key stakeholders is progressing smoothly. 'We have now finalised that the construction of the hospital will be undertaken by the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia instead of the Sarawak JKR. 'Yesterday, I also had a meeting with the Sarawak State Health Department, and they informed me that everything has been finalised. When you build a hospital, you must also ask the end user, in this case, the healthcare professionals, what is needed,' he told reporters after the launch of Batu Kawah National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) here today. Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak's Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said he and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad will attend the meeting in Kuala Lumpur. On March 30 last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the federal government had agreed to the construction of the Sarawak Cancer Centre in Samarahan Division. According to Anwar, through the project, the Sarawak government is creating history by becoming the first state government to finance a federal project in advance, to speed up its implementation. — Bernama
Borneo Post
18-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Comprehensive sex education key to reducing teen pregnancies, says Sibu Resident
Guests and participants pictured during the launch of the programme at SMK Bukit Assek. SIBU (June 19): Comprehensive and continuous sex education should be prioritised in efforts to address teenage pregnancy in Sarawak, as abstinence-only approaches have proven to be less effective, said Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. He noted that studies show over 80 per cent of teenagers obtain information about sex from peers and the internet, rather than from parents, teachers, or medical professionals. 'This underscores the need for structured sexuality education – not merely telling them 'don't do it' or relying on scare tactics. 'We must equip teenagers with knowledge and values, so they understand the consequences of their actions,' he said. Abang Mohamad's remarks were delivered by his representative Macgyver Boi during the official launch of the 'Social Intervention Programme: Sexual Education Awareness and Advocacy (KAPS) for Sibu Division 2025' programme, held at SMK Bukit Assek here yesterday. He also noted that in tackling teenage pregnancy, the Sarawak government has set a key performance indicator (KPI) to reduce the number of such cases by 10 per cent annually compared to the previous year. According to data from the Sarawak State Health Department, the number of teenage pregnancies has consistently declined from 3,866 cases in 2012 to 2,000 in 2024 – a reduction of 48.3 per cent. The proportion of teenage pregnancies relative to new antenatal cases also fell from 9.1 per cent to 7.2 per cent over the same period. However, Abang Mohamad acknowledged a slight increase in 2024, with teenage pregnancies accounting for 7.2 per cent of new antenatal cases compared to 6.6 per cent in 2023. 'Data from 2024 shows that 90.6 per cent (1,812 cases) of pregnant teenagers were aged 16 and above, while 96.1 per cent (1,922 cases) were no longer attending school at the time of pregnancy. 'Additionally, 63.6 per cent (1,271 cases) of the pregnancies occurred among unmarried teens,' he said. By division, Kuching recorded the highest number of teenage pregnancies with 482 cases, followed by Bintulu (320), Miri (302), Sibu (261), and Samarahan (119). In terms of percentage, however, Kapit recorded the highest incidence at 12.9 per cent, followed by Bintulu (9 per cent), Serian (8.3 per cent), Samarahan (8.3 per cent), and Miri (7.7 per cent). Furthermore, Abang Mohamad stressed the importance of programmes like KAPS, which was implemented by the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) under the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) since 2016 in collaboration with the One Stop Teenage Pregnancy Committee (OSTPC). 'A total of 75 KAPS sessions have been held statewide since 2016, contributing to a significant 45.07 per cent drop in teenage pregnancies among school-going girls – from 142 cases in 2016 to 78 in 2024. 'Since last year, the programme has also been expanded to selected primary schools through pilot initiatives,' he added. Abang Mohamad also warned that teenage pregnancy could lead to long-term consequences, such as social stigma, poor academic performance, health issues, and poverty. 'It not only denies young girls their right to a better life, but also risks trapping them in a cycle of vulnerability and disadvantage.' He expressed hope that the implementation of KAPS in Sibu Division would yield positive outcomes in shaping knowledgeable, morally upright, and responsible students. Also present were KPWK permanent secretary representative Fauziah Keepli and SMK Bukit Assek principal Abdul Rahman Abdullah @ Nicholas. Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman lead sex education Sibu teen pregnancy
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
First human rabies case reported in Sarawak for 2025 after 13yo boy tests positive for virus
A dog is administered a vaccine for rabies. AP File Photo KUCHING (May 25): The Sarawak State Health Department has confirmed the first human rabies case in the state for 2025, involving a 13-year-old boy from Kampung Segedup, Kuching. According to a statement posted by the department on its official Facebook page today, this is the first case recorded this year and marks a decrease of two cases compared to the same period in 2024. The boy reportedly began exhibiting symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, hallucinations, delirium, difficulty walking, and trouble swallowing water on May 21. He initially sought treatment at a private hospital before being referred to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), where clinical tests confirmed the rabies infection. 'Investigations revealed that the case had a history of being scratched by a stray cat but did not seek medical treatment. He also frequently played with and fed stray cats and had previously handled the carcass of a cat that died after being hit by a vehicle. 'These behaviours indicate a high level of exposure to rabies infection,' the department said. The boy is currently receiving treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). Despite the downward trend in confirmed rabies cases among humans, the department noted that incidents involving animal bites remain high across Sarawak. Between 2017 and the 20th Epidemiological Week of 2025 (11 to 17 May), a total of 63,301 dog bite cases, 57,210 cat bites or scratches, and 1,832 bites by other animals were reported. The public is reminded to exercise caution to avoid rabies infection. 'Avoid approaching, feeding, or handling stray dogs and cats with unknown vaccination status. Do not touch animal carcasses with an unclear cause of death,' it said. Those bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of animals are advised to wash the affected area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate treatment at the nearest healthcare facility. This includes completing the anti-rabies vaccination as scheduled. The department also urged the public to report sightings of stray animals to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) or local authorities without making physical contact with the animals. 'Pet owners must take full responsibility by ensuring their dogs and cats receive annual anti-rabies vaccinations and are not left to roam unsupervised,' it added. Parents are also encouraged to educate their children about the dangers of rabies and the importance of avoiding stray animals.
