KUCHING: Patient safety and adherence to high standards must remain the top priority in every plastic surgery procedure, in line with the rapid development of the field.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the field requires intensive training and strict adherence to set standards.

“Training to become a plastic surgeon takes years. There are no shortcuts in this field because it involves the safety and lives of patients,” he said.

He said this during the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Plastic Surgical Update 2026 at the Borneo Cultures Museum, here, on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government stressed that the public needs to understand that plastic surgery is not solely focused on aesthetics, but also includes reconstructive surgery which plays an important role in restoring patients’ functions following trauma, cancer or congenital deformities.

He said at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) alone, more than 1,000 reconstructive surgery cases are performed each year, reflecting the importance of the field in the state's healthcare system.

Datuk Amar Dr Sim also stressed the importance of complying with three main elements, namely procedures, practitioners and premises, as the foundation for ensuring that every treatment provided is safe and of high quality.

He explained that procedures must be performed by qualified and registered practitioners with adequate training, and carried out at premises that meet safety standards and are equipped to handle emergencies.

He also reminded industry players not to purely pursue profits, which could be detrimental to the nation’s reputation in the medical field.

According to him, Malaysia has high medical standards and is recognised internationally, hence the need to maintain this reputation with full responsibility.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Director of the Sarawak State Health Department Dr Azlee Ayub, SGH Director Dr Ngian Hie Ung, Head of the National Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Services Dr Mohammad Ali Mat Zain, State Head and Head of the SGH Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department Dr Daphne Dewi and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak Jason Tan Chin Foo. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Nur Nabilla
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery Guang
Translator: Nerissa Sia