Health Ministry aims to fill 15,000 vacancies for certified nurses this year

SIBU, April 4 2026: The Health Ministry (MoH) is targeting to fill 15,000 vacancies for certified nurses in the public hospital nation-wide this year to strengthen the national healthcare system, deputy minister Hanifah Hajar Taib (picture) has said.

 

She said the step is crucial to addressing the increasingly significant manpower shortage currently being faced.

She sad the demand is driven by the country's ageing population trend and the rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions, which require long-term monitoring.

“We often hear that nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, and that statement is indeed true. Their role transcends clinical protocols; they become the link between a patient's sense of isolation and a sense of belonging,” she said while officiating the Diploma in Nursing Programme and Nursing Simulation Lab at Methodist Pilley Institute (MPI) on Saturday.

Hanifah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mukah, further emphasised that the skills of nurses — rooted in empathy and high sensitivity — can transform a treatment environment into a more meaningful healing space.

During the ceremony, she praised MPI’s initiative in introducing the diploma programme, describing it as timely for meeting job market demands.

She welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MPI, Rejang Medical Centre, and Borneo Medical Centre, which offers full sponsorship and allowances to students.

She noted that such collaborations between educational institutions and the private sector are excellent examples of driving growth while fulfilling social responsibilities to strengthen the public health system.

The three-year Diploma in Nursing at MPI is now open for registration, with the first cohort intake beginning on 27 April 2026.

The programme is open to SPM leavers with at least credits in Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics (Basic/Modern/Additional), and Science (Science/Biology/Chemistry/Physics), alongside passes in English and one other additional subject.

AThe diploma is globally recognised and fully complies with guidelines accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Malaysian Nursing Board (MNB).

Also in attendance were Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, MPI Board of Directors Chairman Paul Wong Hee Kwong, MPI Deputy Chairman Dr Peter Tang and Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference President Rev. Dr Lau Hui Ming.

Lebuk Melanau is set to become new landmark to strengthen heritage in Kuching

KUCHING, April 4 2026: The proposed  'Lebuk Melanau' or Melanau House, estimated to cost at least RM55 million, is set to become a new landmark to strengthen heritage and community unity in the state. 

Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Len Talif Salleh (picture)_ said the project, located at Wisma Melanau near the Islamic Information Centre (IIC), is expected to begin construction this year and is scheduled to be completed by 2027. 

 He said the project has received preliminary approval from the State Planning Authority (SPA) and is currently in the documentation preparation phase before the tender process is implemented.

"Lebuk Melanau will function as a community interaction centre and a location for various cultural and social activities involving the Melanau community and other races.

"However, the existing main building of Wisma Melanau will still be maintained to preserve the historical value and legacy of the previous leadership for the younger generation,” he said.

He said this when met by the media at the Aidilfitri 2026 Reception organised by the Sarawak Melanau Welfare Trust Board at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy here today.

 Commenting on the development cost, he explained that the state government would fund part of the cost, but implementation needed to be expedited to avoid the implications of cost increases due to global economic factors.

More than 500 guests from various ethnic backgrounds, thus reflecting the continued spirit of goodwill and harmony among the people of Sarawak.-

 

 

Hypertension is top on list of major findings of chronic health conditions among senior citizens in a recent study carried out in Sarawak

KUCHING, April 4 2026: Hypertension is on the top of major findings of chronic health condition among senior citizens  in a recent study carried out in the state by the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak campus.

The minister Fatimah Abdullah (picture) said that the study  entiled Profile of Ageing Issues of Older Persons in Sarawak shows that 44 of the respondents suffer from  hypertension, followed by high cholesterol (35.5 per cent) and diabetes (23 per cent).

“Around two-thirds of respondents exhibit cognitive decline, with many of them under-utilising the healthcare services due to cost, transport, or lack of awareness,” she said at the launch of the Senior Citizen - We Care programme here.

She added nearly 30 per cent of the respondent live below RM2,500 monthly income, with limited savings and dependence on informal support.

“Seven per cent live alone, while many reside in homes that are unsafe or not adapted for ageing, particularly in rural districts,” she said.

She also said the study noted that older persons face low digital literacy, limited participation in lifelong learning, and low awareness of government support programmes.

She said the study found out that the family caregivers bear the main responsibility but face emotional and financial strain without structured respite or training.

“The study forms the basis for the development of the Masterplan for Healthy, Active and Dignified Ageing, to ensure that our senior citizens can live safe, active and inclusive lives in their respective communities,” the minister said.

Fartimah said the state Welfare Department monthly assistance for February 2026 has recorded a total of 55,194 cases involving an expenditure of RM25,322,226.00.

“Of the total, 22,355 cases are recipients of Senior Citizen Assistance amounting to RM600. A total of RM13,413,000.00 has been spent on Senior Citizen Assistance as of February 2026 for the whole of Sarawak.

“Through the Sarawak government, for the senior citizens, they are provided with discounted prices and services through the use of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) in collaboration with 1180 KGC strategic partners consisting of private companies and registered commercial centers throughout Sarawak.

“As of February 2026, a total of 374,566 cards have been distributed and digital cards have been activated,” she said.

She added KGC is also equipped with Benevolence Death Assistance (BIK) which is a grant to the heirs of deceased KGC holders to cover the funeral costs of RM1,800.00 per KGC holder.

“As of February 2026, a total of 29,641 people have received BIK for the year 2020 - 2026 with a total of RM77,774,200.00 spent” Fatimah said.

Meanwhile, for the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB), which benefits senior citizens with a household income of RM7,000 and below per month.

This facility provides assistance for cashless outpatient treatment at panel clinics with a maximum limit of RM500 per person per year.

Throughout Sarawak, there are 224 health institutions registered as SCHB panels which can be benefited by 221,225 active SCHB recipients