KUCHING: Sarawak is accelerating reform in the oral healthcare sector by strengthening the digitalisation of its health system, expanding access to treatment, and reinforcing public–private synergy to ensure more efficient and inclusive service delivery.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, emphasised that a holistic approach to oral healthcare is a priority in line with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“As 2026 marks the commencement of the 13th Malaysia Plan, we are transitioning from the phase of strategic planning to one of implementation that delivers tangible outcomes on the ground.”

He said this in a speech text delivered on his behalf by the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, during the opening of the 14th Borneo Dental Congress & Trade Exhibition 2026 in Kuching on Friday.

The Sarawak Premier noted that the oral healthcare sector must be given serious attention, as more than 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral-related diseases.

At the same time, he underscored the importance of synergy between the public and private sectors in strengthening the state’s healthcare system.

“I believe in synergy between the public and private sectors, as the private sector plays an important role in building a robust and resilient healthcare ecosystem,” he added.

In efforts to expand access to treatment, he said the state government has allocated RM50 million for the Senior Citizens Health Benefit Scheme (SCHB), benefiting approximately 100,000 elderly individuals, including cashless outpatient treatment of up to RM500 per year.

In addition, he noted that Sarawak is advancing its digitalisation agenda through the implementation of the Cloud-Based Clinic Management System (CCMS), valued at RM10 million, with 153 health clinics now digitised.

He further stressed that Sarawak has the potential to emerge as a regional hub for dental tourism, offering competitive treatment costs alongside high-quality services.

“We want to tell the world: come to Sarawak for dental treatment and experience the beauty of our rainforests and culture. Treatment costs here remain competitive compared to other countries without compromising on quality,” he said.

He added that service expansion is also being carried out through initiatives such as the Mobile Dental Squad and the “Adopted Dental Village” programme to ensure access to treatment reaches rural areas.

The congress is seen as an important platform to strengthen professional collaboration and drive innovation in the dental sector, in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a leading provider of quality healthcare services in the region. -UKASnews

Reporter: Lonney Jinab
Photo: Mohammad Naseem Razali
Translator: Uilson Ng