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THE Malaysian Ministry of Health (NOH) will expedite the construction of the much-anticipated Sungai Tamang Health Clinic in Pulau Sebatik, announced Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, aiming to replace the existing clinic which has served the community since 1969 but is now in a state of disrepair.
“I do not want to wait any longer. We will ensure the construction of this new clinic is carried out promptly using available allocations. This is a firm step towards improving dilapidated clinics,” he said during a press conference following the official opening of the Sungai Imam Rural Clinic.
Dr. Dzulkefly’s visit to Tawau forms part of a broader programme inspecting healthcare facilities along Sabah’s east coast, including Pulau Sebatik, to assess rural health service conditions.
“This is vital to ensure the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) — leaving no one behind — is truly realised, without any citizens being left out,” he emphasised.
The proposed new Sungai Tamang clinic will be built on a 3.1-acre site and will include staff quarters to serve the needs of more than 25,000 residents in the area.
In addition, Dr. Dzulkefly announced plans to upgrade the Sungai Imam Rural Clinic to a Type 7 Health Clinic, reflecting the area’s population of over 15,000.
Regarding the Sungai Imam clinic, officially opened today, he noted it has been operational since November 2024 at a cost of RM600,000, including the construction of a three-room quarters for healthcare personnel.
“I want this clinic to serve as a model or benchmark for rural clinic upgrade projects nationwide — efficient, timely, and meeting the people’s needs,” he said.
He further revealed plans to provide an ambulance boat and a service boat for healthcare workers in Pulau Sebatik, stating, “These facilities will be supplied shortly. I have personally witnessed their necessity on the ground.”
Dr. Dzulkefly also shared that over the past two months, he has conducted seven official visits to Sabah, covering six districts and 16 health facilities on the east coast, including Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau.
“This is not a half-hearted effort. We want to ensure that rural health facilities in Sabah continue to receive attention, in line with the spirit of MA63,” he asserted. - October 23, 2025