KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and global consultancy firm KPMG have been appointed to spearhead the Sarawak Public Health Master Plan 2050.
The long-term roadmap is fully funded by the state government, making Sarawak the only state in Malaysia to independently develop its healthcare master plan without fully relying on federal support.
The objective of the study is to formulate a holistic and strategic framework to prevent disease, promote health and enhance the overall wellbeing of Sarawakians.
The plan will include a comprehensive strategy, legal and institutional frameworks, and systematic action plans to improve governance, public health infrastructure and services across the state.
Although the current phase focuses on planning, members of the public are already expressing hopes that the eventual implementation of the master plan will bring meaningful improvements to Sarawak’s healthcare system.
Faiz Syafeeq, 27, a company manager, said it was encouraging to see the state taking charge in shaping its own healthcare direction.
“In my opinion, it is a good move because we won’t have to wait for lengthy approval processes just to start planning.
“I hope this master plan lays the groundwork for future improvements to our hospital and clinic facilities, and also includes strategies to increase the number of medical staff,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Faiz, who has mostly relied on private healthcare, hopes the planning phase will include feedback from people who no longer use public services.
“My family and I haven’t used public healthcare for a while now. The service tends to be slower, and medications in private hospitals seem more reliable—though they come at a higher cost.
“Hopefully, with a proper roadmap, the state will be able to identify these pain points and address them effectively by 2050.”
Mohamad Khaireen Mohamad Zain, 34, a civil servant, said the master plan must be realistic in identifying current gaps in the healthcare system.
“Sarawak has strong revenue, and this initiative shows a proactive use of state resources.
“I hope the plan identifies overcrowding issues and sets goals for infrastructure upgrades and service improvements.”
He also hopes that the human element will be included in the study’s findings and future proposals.
“Customer service among medical staff is often overlooked. Patients should not be greeted with unfriendly attitudes.
“If this plan is comprehensive, I hope it also proposes ways to improve soft skills and professionalism among healthcare frontliners.”
Khaireen added that the long-term strategy should include ways to empower local professionals and prepare for Sarawak’s future as a regional healthcare destination.
“By 2050, I would like to see Sarawak’s public health system be on par with developed countries.
“The plan should explore how to tap into talent from both public and private sectors and respond to growing demand, especially from foreign patients from Indonesia.”
Muhammad Daniel Ezzu, 24, a corporate management student, hopes the state-funded study will offer solutions to long-standing issues.
“One issue I hope the plan addresses is the situation of contract doctors.
“If Sarawak is serious about leading its own healthcare development, I hope this challenge can be studied and resolved at the state level in future policies.”
He welcomed the state’s decision to invest in the planning stage, saying it was a sign of long-term thinking.
“It is a good move to use our own funds to develop the roadmap. If it helps the state better identify our weaknesses and accelerate solutions in the future, it is worth the investment.
“But I also hope the plan looks beyond infrastructure and includes the welfare of nurses and doctors too.”
Mohd Amirul Fahmi, 33, an entrepreneur, said the study reflects the state’s serious intent to take ownership of its healthcare future.
“To me, this is a smart and timely step. By having our own master plan, we can chart out what really matters to Sarawakians without being tied down by federal bureaucracy.”
He hopes the plan will be detailed enough to address health access gaps and propose decentralised services.
“In the long term, I would like to see it pave the way for better facilities in smaller towns so people won’t have to travel to the city for specialist care.
“The end goal should be a healthcare system that is efficient, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.”
Revina Mamat, 47, an administrative assistant, praised the state’s initiative in taking the lead on a matter usually under federal jurisdiction.
“It is a commendable move. Although healthcare is a federal matter, the state government is stepping up to speed up improvements through proper planning.”
Revina hopes the master plan will not only deliver on public health outcomes, but also ensure that Sarawakians are at the heart of future implementation.
“Once the proposals are in place, I hope the upgrading projects and job opportunities that follow will prioritise our own local talents.
“This master plan should also serve as a guide to ensure systematic development, not just in infrastructure, but also in governance and community outreach,” she added.
Overall, the Sarawak Public Health Master Plan 2050 is expected to guide the transformation of the state’s healthcare landscape over the next 25 years, with implementation strategies to follow once the study is finalised.
