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TAWAU: The district has emerged as one of the most active areas in conducting screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCD), including cancer, strengthening efforts for early detection of chronic illnesses in Sabah.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said early screening programmes, including breast cancer screening, continue to be improved to ensure patients have better opportunities for treatment.

“Non-communicable diseases are now the country’s biggest health challenge. In many cases, one in two individuals is unaware that they have hypertension, diabetes, or cancer.

“I urge the public to stay informed, come forward for health checks, and take early treatment measures,” he said when officiating the Kukusan Health Camp 2025 on Wednesday.

He also shared that in line with the aspiration to upgrade Tawau Hospital to a Category 1 Hospital, the district is on the right path to becoming the cardiology referral centre for Sabah’s east coast.

“We want Tawau Hospital upgraded with an additional 150 beds and the establishment of an Invasive Cardiac Lab. If realised, heart patients on the east coast will no longer need to travel to Kota Kinabalu or Peninsular Malaysia for treatment.

“Tawau also has the potential to become a cardiology referral centre for the whole of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, which will elevate the region’s health tourism,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jalinan Kasih Harapan Rakyat Sabah Association Patron Tan Sri Datuk Liew Yun Fah said the establishment of the new health clinic in Kukusan was made possible through close cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

“With the new clinic, basic treatments can be delivered more quickly and reduce the burden on hospitals. More than 30,000 residents of Kukusan and nearby areas will benefit.

“We are also working on establishing another clinic in Taman Semarak due to its large population,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari; Sabah State Health Director Dr William Gotulis and Deputy Director of Health (Public Health) Dr Muhammad Jikal.