MUKAH: The organisation of the Sarawak Borneo Health Safari (Series 2), conducted across several health clinics in the Mukah Division, has become an important platform for identifying issues and deficiencies in healthcare facilities at the grassroots level.

Deputy Minister of Health Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib stated that the initiative reflects the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the healthcare delivery system for the wellbeing of the people.

According to her, the safari will be expanded to Sabah in the future to ensure that improvements can be implemented comprehensively.

At the same time, she emphasised that the issue of health literacy must be given serious attention, as it is closely linked to the community’s level of understanding regarding medical terminology and health information.

“For example, the term tuberculosis or TB may not be fully understood by some segments of society, even though the disease itself carries a high risk of transmission.

“This lack of understanding can lead to the public failing to take the necessary preventive measures,” she said after officiating the Mukah Division National Healthy Malaysia Agenda Programme at the Pantai Kala Dana Kaul site on Thursday.

Meanwhile, she explained that proposed reductions in government expenditure, including within the health sector, will be carried out prudently and remain under review to ensure that basic services to the people are not affected.

“Any reduction in allocations will focus on aspects that do not directly impact the people, particularly in the delivery of essential services,” she added.

She further noted that the government remains committed to continuing targeted subsidies to assist the public in facing the rising cost of living, while also encouraging prudent spending habits and the wise use of resources.

Also in attendance were the Balingia Assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi and the Sarawak State Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah.-UKASnews

Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii