KUCHING, Aug 4: Leveraging its rich biodiversity, Sarawak aims to establish a foothold in the medical field by researching plants that hold potential as remedies for emerging diseases.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg holds a positive outlook regarding the triumph of this endeavor, forged through collaborations with prominent global industry players, including Johns Hopkins University in the United States of America.
Abang Johari disclosed that he had tasked Sarawak’s Deputy Premier, Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian, with facilitating this collaboration to enable the exchange of data between the two entities.
“I was asking Dr. Sim to collaborate with John Hopkins in the US so that there will be an interchange of data.
“And you know, Sarawak is rich in biodiversity and there could be some medicine in our plants that can heal new diseases,” he said in his speech during the Malaysian Society of Anaesthesiologists and College of Anaesthesiologists, Academy of Medicine, Malaysia Annual Scientific Congress 2023, here on Friday.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari reiterated his commitment to the funding for the establishment of the state’s cancer centre, the intention has been conveyed to the federal government.
“I told them (Federal Government) I will set aside some fund to set up the whole centre in Sarawak, and it is worth more than RM1 billion.
“To me, it is worth investing to take care of our aging society, which needs a lot of care and maintenance for our people,” he said.
Furthermore, Abang Johari underlined the State Government’s resolute dedication to forging crucial collaborations within the medical sphere, aiming to deliver exceptional services to the populace.
This determination stems from the existence of various unidentified diseases within the state. -TVS
