Sibu Hospital Still Included In Govt's Plan For Phased Upgrade - Ling

SIBU, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Sibu Hospital is still included in the government's plan for a phased upgrade from a district hospital to a regional referral hospital, on par with the Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching, said Sibu Member of Parliament Oscar Ling Chai Yew.

He said that the main component of this upgrade is the construction of a new Sibu Hospital building under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), estimated to cost RM1 billion, and will focus on cancer treatment, including the establishment of an Oncology Department.

“Although the project was not mentioned in the budget speech by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it is still included in Budget 2026. The budget speech is only a one to two-hour summary, while the full details are in the official budget document,” he said in a statement today.

According to him, following the announcement of Budget 2026, the main concerns of the people of Sibu are the development of Sibu Hospital, health facilities like clinics, and other infrastructure projects in the area.

Ling said the Cardiac Intervention Unit for Sibu Hospital has also been approved, making Sibu one of three locations in Sarawak to receive this approval, alongside Bintulu and Miri.

However, according to Ling, the construction of the cardiac operating room is still pending a suitable location due to space constraints.

“In addition, the project for the temporary relocation of the Oya Health Clinic is also being planned. The Ministry of Health agreed that the existing location is suitable for redevelopment because of its strategic position,” he said.

He stressed that even though Budget 2026 did not specifically mention medical projects in Sibu, the approved development plans will still proceed.

Among the major Sibu-related projects are the MADANI Submarine Cable Project worth RM2 billion, aimed at improving internet services in the area, and the upgrade project for several sections of the Pan Borneo Highway, costing RM350 million.

He informed that his service centre has channelled nearly RM1 million over the past two years to establish a High Dependency Unit for neurosurgery patients at Sibu Hospital, which is a great benefit for stroke patients and those with brain cancer.

He also welcomed the health sector reforms introduced by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) through Budget 2026, including RM144 million to strengthen public-private sector cooperation, which allows patients to be referred to military, university, and private hospitals with the costs covered by the government.

This out-patient treatment service is vital as it ensures patients receive treatment even if the facilities at Sibu Hospital are inadequate, with the costs borne by the government.

-- BERNAMA