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January 8, 2026

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KUCHING (Jan 8): The Batu Kawa Health Clinic here received a boost to its healthcare services following the handover of essential medical and non-medical equipment worth more than RM50,000, donated by Petroleum Nasional Berhad (Petronas) in collaboration with the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Sarawak (Sabati).

The contribution is part of the ‘Improvement of Rural Healthcare — Services and Facilities in Sarawak’ programme, which aims to bridge healthcare gaps in rural communities and ease the financial burden on patients.

Among the equipment handed over were a Welch Allyn MacroView Plus otoscope, Bistos Hi-Dop vascular doppler, Omron blood pressure monitors, dual-head adult and paediatric stethoscopes, Cosmogamma US13 I-Line ultrasound therapy units, as well as office and operational items including executive chairs, office tables, washing machines and a shredder.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who officiated at the handover ceremony on Wednesday, said contributions by Petronas and Sabati were not merely symbolic gestures but meaningful interventions that directly strengthen Sarawak’s healthcare system.

The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister stressed that nation-building requires collective effort, noting that organisations and individuals should contribute according to their capacity.

“If you have more resources, you do more. If you have less, you do less. But everyone can still do something, as long as it is sincere,” he said in his speech at the clinic.

Dr Sim, who is Batu Kawah assemblyman, added that sincere contributions — rather than public criticism or finger-pointing — create real and lasting impact in improving healthcare services.

He said Sarawak’s nation-building efforts must prioritise healthcare and education, describing them as the two most critical pillars for sustaining the state’s long-term progress.

While infrastructure such as roads, bridges and utilities remains important, he noted that human capital development is essential to ensure Sarawak’s continued growth and prosperity.

“As Sarawak becomes more developed, we need people to sustain that progress. Without education, development cannot continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Petronas Sarawak general manager Norazibah Md Rabu said the Health Facilities Upgrade Project for rural clinics, which began in 2023, has identified 26 rural clinics across all 12 divisions in Sarawak to receive basic medical assistance, with a total allocation of RM1.3 million.

She said that from 2023 to 2025, 17 rural clinics have benefited from the initiative, including the Batu Kawa Health Clinic.

Norazibah added that while the equipment may appear to be physical assets, their true value lies in their impact, enabling healthcare workers to make faster and more accurate decisions, improving efficiency and, in many cases, saving lives.

Also present were Sabati acting president Datuk Doreen Mayang Uggah, Sabati deputy president III and secretary Datuk Enn Ong Siok Ean, Petronas senior general manager Anuar Ismail, Kuching Health officer Dr Johnny Pangkas, and Batu Kawa Health Clinic representative Dr Lenny Martini Hamden.