KUCHING: Sarawak is now at the forefront of groundbreaking ‘first-in-human’ medical trials, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister also highlighted the state’s growing international presence in medical research, led by homegrown talent like oncologist, Dr Voon Pei Jye.
“Like Dr Voon, our very famous oncologist, we sent him to Canada, to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
“They specialise in first-in-human drug trials. Before last year, there were no such trials ever done in Malaysia.
“Last year, Roche Medical who ranked among the top five, alongside companies like Pfizer, selected Sarawak General Hospital Cancer Service as the first hospital in the Asia-Pacific region to test a new drug for solid cancers.
“It’s the only hospital in Southeast Asia chosen for this trial.
“Parkinson’s probably needs some of those new drugs to research on. You may think this story is irrelevant.
“But for people with Parkinson’s, this research could change everything. Without research, how do you get new treatments?” he stressed.
He said this in his speech when officiating the Kuching Parkinson’s Society (KPS)-Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Forum 2025.4.12
It was attended by approximately 130 people, including Parkinson’s patients, volunteers, doctors, specialists and members of the public at the Imperial Hotel here today.
Despite Sarawak’s location in the heart of Borneo, Dr Sim said it is not short on brain power.
“Through all of this, we’ll ensure that all the benefits are covered, with some focusing on Parkinson’s, others on cancer, and some on heart conditions.
“And hopefully by 2030, we are different Sarawak. You know, this is very important.
“I will see what I can do in terms of brain institute or brain foundation,” he said.
However, he expressed concern over the healthcare workforce crisis in Malaysia, noting that achieving these goals relies heavily on having the necessary manpower.
“I am deeply worried about our medical profession. In the past five years, the number of doctors registering in Malaysia has dropped by 50 per cent.
“We are getting older, and we need more doctors, but the number continues to fall.
“Sarawak needs 6,000 doctors, but we currently have just 4,000,” he said.
Dr Sim noted that Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) produces only 150 medical graduates annually, with some coming from outside Sarawak.
“To fill the gap, we would need another 15 years. And money alone won’t solve this problem – we need more doctors.
“Sometimes, you have money but no doctors. Last time, we didn’t have money, but now we do.
“The key is playing our part. You do your part, I do mine. Eventually, all our small efforts will come together to make a difference,” he added.
Dr Sim also expressed his pride in the younger generation of medical professionals, praising their contributions to the health sector.
“We have many young people doing exceptionally well. Money cannot buy this kind of talent.
“Sarawak’s development is about more than just wealth; it’s about building a nation.
“As Sarawak grows richer, the importance of healthcare will only increase,” he said.
