Sibu: Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew has urged the federal government to expedite the approval of the proposed new hospital building at Sibu Hospital, describing the project as crucial to addressing mounting healthcare pressures in central Sarawak.
His call came after the Ministry of Health (MOH) responded in writing to his parliamentary oral question that the project is still at the application stage under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13) Rolling Plan 2 (RP2), pending approval from central agencies and government funding allocation. The total project cost has not yet been finalised.
Ling said the latest update is concerning, given the hospital’s longstanding congestion issues, which serve not only Sibu but also patients from across the central region of Sarawak.
“With the growing population and increasing healthcare demand, the existing hospital facilities are already operating beyond capacity, and the expansion project should not be further delayed,” he said in a statement.
He noted that overcrowding in wards, specialist clinics, and parking areas has been a persistent challenge for patients and healthcare workers alike.
According to the ministry, several temporary measures have been introduced to ease congestion, including the establishment of a Bed Management Unit to improve bed utilisation and patient flow. Hospital cluster arrangements and expanded day-care and ambulatory services are also being used to reduce pressure on inpatient facilities.
The ministry further stated that primary healthcare clinics are being strengthened to manage stable and chronic patients. At the same time, a staggered appointment system has been introduced to better regulate attendance at specialist clinics.
To address parking issues, hospital authorities have reorganised parking facilities, separated staff and visitor parking areas, improved traffic management and introduced a drive-through pharmacy service.
He stressed that Sibu Hospital plays a vital role as a regional referral centre and requires significant infrastructure upgrades to meet future healthcare demands.
“The federal government must move forward with the estimated RM1 billion expansion project as soon as possible. The people of central Sarawak deserve healthcare facilities that are able to meet current and future needs,” he said.
Ling added that although the Sarawak government is currently focusing on the construction of the Kuching Cancer Centre, the proposed expansion of Sibu Hospital remains equally important in strengthening healthcare services across the state.
