Sarawak Allocates RM4 Million To Ease Burden Of Kidney Patients
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Government has allocated RM4 million this year under the Kidney Patient Assistance Programme to help ease the burden of end-stage kidney failure patients, particularly those from low- and middle-income groups.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the initiative aims to ensure patients receive timely treatment, including assistance in covering dialysis treatment costs.
“The Sarawak Government remains committed to developing a more comprehensive, accessible and quality healthcare treatment ecosystem to reduce the burden faced by chronic kidney disease patients in the state,” he said.
His speech text was read by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee during the Sarawak-level World Kidney Day 2026 celebration and Kidney Charity Run at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Student and Alumni Affairs Square on Saturday.
Datuk Amar Dr Sim added that Sarawak currently records between 700 and 800 new kidney disease cases annually, with more than 4,800 patients undergoing dialysis treatment throughout the state.
He said chronic kidney disease has become one of the country’s major public health challenges, with the prevalence rate increasing from 9.07 per cent in 2011 to 15.48 per cent in 2018.
“This means nearly one in six adults in Malaysia may be suffering from kidney disease without being aware of their condition,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the Sarawak Government continues to strengthen support for Federal government hospitals through the provision of treatment facilities and equipment, including more than 30 haemodialysis machines worth RM1.2 million under the Special Assistance Initiative for Kidney Patients.
“In addition to treatment assistance, the state government also provides a RM50 travel allowance for each treatment session for rural patients who need to travel long distances to dialysis centres,” he said.
He added that additional haemodialysis machines are scheduled for distribution this year to hospitals in Miri, Bintulu, Mukah and Sarikei.
Meanwhile, the World Kidney Day 2026 celebration organised by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) in collaboration with the UNIMAS University Health Centre also attracted 250 participants through a five-kilometre charity run.
The programme was held in conjunction with this year’s global theme, “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet”, aimed at raising public awareness on the importance of early detection and prevention of kidney disease. -UKASnews
