Uggah presents compensation cheques to recipients. Photo: Osman Razali

SPAOH: The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has been urged to expedite the construction of a Type Four Health Clinic (KK) here, which the government previously approved.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed that the Sarawak government, through the Land and Survey Department (JTS), has completed the compensation payment for the land acquisition intended as the site for the new clinic.

“However, I have not been informed of the exact cost of constructing this Type Four Health Clinic (including staff quarters) in Spaoh.

“Nonetheless, we have provided a 2.6625-hectare site, and today, RM505,318.50 has been paid to the landowner as compensation.

“We hope the MOH can construct the clinic as soon as possible, given the poor state of the current Spaoh Health Clinic and the growing population,” he said.

The Bukit Saban state assemblyman made these remarks after officiating at the Compensation Cheque Handover Ceremony for Bukit Saban Constituency Projects at the Spaoh Community Hall today.

He emphasised that the new health clinic aims to deliver top-notch services to the people, equip it with modern facilities, and provide a more comfortable environment.

“It will also help ease the burden on the Layar Health Clinic and Betong Hospital,” he added.

A Type Four Health Clinic typically includes an Outpatient Department (OPD), an Accident and Emergency Unit (A&E), a Maternal and Child Health Unit (MCH), a Dental Unit, an Imaging and Diagnostic Unit (X-ray), a pharmacy laboratory, and more.

Additionally, Uggah, who is also the chairman of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), announced that a Haemodialysis Centre would be built here under BDDA.

“This means Spaoh will have a Type Four Health Clinic and a Haemodialysis Centre.

“The Haemodialysis Centre in Spaoh has been approved under BDDA with a budget allocation of RM5 million.

“Overall, BDDA will construct three Haemodialysis Centres—in Spaoh, Beladin, and Kabong. These facilities are essential as the number of patients requiring kidney treatment continues to grow, while the current facilities are insufficient,” he explained.

He also expressed gratitude to the MOH for approving the construction of all three centres, even though the ministry still needs to provide funding for their construction.

During the event, Uggah presented compensation cheques to 201 recipients, with a total of RM8,591,036.80 paid out for four projects.

Firstly, the Bebuling Agricultural Park development project involved the acquisition of 268 hectares of land (177 lots), with compensation amounting to RM7,345,322.15 paid to 126 recipients.

Secondly, compensation for the Type Four Health Clinic construction project site in Spaoh.

Thirdly, the project will construct the Ulu Paku to Ulu Kota Road and upgrade Jalan Ulu Paku, with a total compensation of RM408,106.70 paid to 48 recipients for 2.41219 hectares of land.

Fourthly, the project to upgrade Penyulok Road, Nanga Penebak, and Penebak Road in Ulu Layar involves the acquisition of 4.7 kilometres of land and compensation amounting to RM332,289.45.

Betong Division Land and Survey superintendent Moris Nayup was also present.