Did you know? Sarawak has agreed to lend RM1 billion to the federal government for the construction of the Sarawak Cancer Centre. This means the Sarawak state government will provide RM1 billion upfront to the federal government to fund the center’s construction, with the federal government repaying the amount in installments over time.
Sarawak Cancer Centre — A major step forward for public health in Sarawak, this brand-new hub for cancer treatment and research is currently under development.
In addition to lending RM1 billion to the federal government for construction, the Sarawak government is also allocating an extra RM500 million for the procurement of medical equipment for the center. This brings Sarawak’s total investment to RM1.5 billion, ensuring both the construction and the equipment are fully covered.
This investment means Sarawak is not only funding the building itself but also equipping it with the most advanced medical technology. Residents of Sarawak will be able to access world-class cancer treatment locally, reducing the burden of traveling to Kuala Lumpur and improving overall healthcare infrastructure in the state.
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Sarawak Cancer Centre — Project Highlights
• Implementing Agency: Public Works Department (JKR)
• Total Investment: RM1.5 billion (RM1 billion for construction + RM500 million for medical equipment)
• Number of Beds: 310
• Total Built-Up Area: 154,498.26 sqm (equivalent to about 1,500 shophouses)
• Location: Sarawak Health Metropolis (Samarahan) along a 6 km development corridor
• Significance: Establish a comprehensive cancer specialty center integrated with healthcare, research, higher education, and industrial hubs
• Construction Timeline: Tendering completed in Q1 2026, construction starts Q3 2026, expected completion and operational launch by 2031
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Core Features
Comprehensive Cancer Specialty
• The largest and only full-scale specialty cancer center in the country
• Provides integrated services combining medical care, research, and clinical training
• Reduces the need for Sarawak patients to travel to Kuala Lumpur for treatment
• Equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment, funded entirely by the state government (RM500 million)
Strategic Medical Hub
• Key component of the Sarawak Health Metropolis
• Integrates with Sarawak Heart Centre, Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre, and UNIMAS Hospital
• Combines higher education and research hubs: UNIMAS, UiTM Sarawak, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre
• Enables future synergy between healthcare, research, and industrial development
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Professional Talent & Medical Capacity
• Enhances sub-specialty medical services (heart center, cancer center, etc.)
• Attracts and retains specialist doctors and nurses
• Develops local medical talent, leveraging Sarawak General Hospital and other institutions
• Strengthens clinical research capabilities; Sarawak General Hospital has been a top clinical research hospital nationally for three consecutive years
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Social & Economic Impact
1. Elevates healthcare standards and public health in Sarawak
2. Reduces travel burdens for patients
3. Creates employment opportunities in medical research
4. Attracts top-tier medical professionals
5. Establishes the core of healthcare and research in the Sarawak Health Metropolis
6. Stimulates local economic and infrastructure development
7. Supports future population growth and healthcare demand
8. Strengthens Sarawak’s role in the national healthcare system
9. Enhances Sarawak’s financial investment and long-term development potential
10. Establishes an integrated model for healthcare, research, and education
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📍 Sarawak Cancer Centre — More than just a hospital
It will be the largest specialty cancer center in Malaysia, a core hub for medical research in Sarawak, and a key component of the Sarawak Health Metropolis. From infrastructure to cutting-edge medical services, it is set to shape Sarawak’s healthcare development for the next 10–20 years.
Do you think the Sarawak Cancer Centre can become the new benchmark for healthcare and research in the state?
