KUCHING, May 9: Sarawak is planning to establish wound care support groups across the state, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim, who is also the State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said these groups will bring together patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and advocates to share knowledge and provide emotional and social support.
“We believe that healing happens faster when no one feels alone in their journey,” he said in his speech during the 3rd D-Foot International Wound Conference 2025 here today.
The text of his speech was read out by Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
Dr Sim said there is a rising trend of non-communicable diseases in Sarawak, especially diabetes, which continues to affect communities at an alarming rate.
He said that nationally, nearly one in five Malaysian adults is living with diabetes and in Sarawak, the same trend is evident, with a significant number of patients developing diabetic foot ulcers.
“The reality is sobering, 15 to 20 per cent of diabetic foot ulcer cases end in lower limb amputations. These are not just statistics — they represent painful disruptions to lives, livelihoods and families. That is why wound care is no longer a peripheral issue; it is a core priority in our state’s health agenda,” he said.
He said Sarawak is taking bold and proactive steps to tackle this head-on, with initiatives that focus on, among other things, expanding early detection and foot screening programmes at all levels of primary healthcare.
“We will also empower our frontline healthcare workers with updated training and tools to manage chronic wounds effectively,” he added. – TVS
