SERIAN: Two healthcare development projects with a combined value of RM3.6 million under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) have received official approval, marking a significant boost to medical facilities in the Serian area.

Bukit Semuja Assemblyman, John Ilus, said the approvals were formalised through the handover of approval letters during site visits to Serian Hospital and Serian Health Clinic on Wednesday morning.

He said the first project involves the upgrading of the Paediatric Ward at Serian Hospital, with an allocation of RM600,000, aimed at improving comfort and the overall quality of care for child patients.

With an allocation of RM3 million, the second project entails the construction of an Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy (OT/PT) Unit building along with parking facilities at Serian Health Clinic, which is expected to strengthen rehabilitation services and ease parking constraints at the clinic.

According to John Ilus, both projects were approved under GKCDA during the agency’s Main Steering Committee meeting held in October 2025, and the handover of documents was carried out to enable immediate follow-up actions and early implementation.

He added that the Public Works Department (JKR) Serian has been appointed as the technical department for the projects, working closely with technical teams from the hospital and clinic to finalise details and ensure smooth execution.

Touching on project planning, he explained that the clinic project was prioritised based on current needs, with the original proposal for a multi-storey parking facility revised to focus on the OT/PT unit, which will also incorporate parking provisions within the project area.

John also expressed hope that the relevant health authorities would provide formal written approvals to prevent administrative issues in the future, stressing that timely coordination is key to ensuring the projects proceed without delay.

“Our hope is for both projects to be implemented smoothly and completed as soon as possible, so that improved healthcare services can be delivered to the people of Serian,” he said.

Also present during the programme were representatives from GKCDA, JKR Serian, Serian Hospital, Serian Health Clinic, the Serian Resident’s Office and Serian District Office. -UKASnews