Sarawak asks for health autonomy, wants a policy based on local disease data

GEDONG, 18 Oct: The Sarawak government wants autonomy in health to be given to the state so that healthcare policies and approaches can be structured based on real data as well as different disease patterns by region.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said research conducted through the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) found that there are differences in disease patterns between areas like Kapit and Serian, thus indicating the need for a more specific health approach.

"The results of the research conducted so far show that diseases identified in Kapit are different from diseases in Serian. Therefore, our health policy should be based on the real situation in each area", he said.

He said this at a press conference on the occasion of Sarawak Disease Control Programme (DSP) 2026 in Lubok Buntin Community Hall, Gedong, here today.

According to him, Sarawak now has facilities of the Sarawak Government-funded Infectious Disease Research Laboratory and is equipped with high-tech equipment, as well as mobile laboratories that allow sample collection and research to be conducted directly in rural areas.

"We request that Sarawak be granted autonomy to enable the research. We need to provide clear facts and evidence to support those needs", he said.

Johari added that the results of this research have the potential to open up space for development of local remedies based on Sarawak's biodiversity resources, thus helping efforts to identify treatment methods and disease management appropriate to the needs of local communities. - TVS