KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 – The government remains committed to keeping healthcare inflation rates in Sarawak moderate, said Deputy Minister of Economy, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.

According to her, Sarawak recorded a healthcare inflation rate of 1.5 percent in October.

She noted that 58 projects in Sarawak have been approved under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), with a total allocation of RM3.04 billion.

“These projects include the construction of the Betong Health Clinic, Julau Health Clinic in Sarikei, Nanga Atoi Health Clinic in Saratok, as well as the upgrading and development of new clinics across Sarawak,” she said during the Dewan Rakyat session today.

Datuk Hanifah was responding to a question from Betong MP, Dr. Richard Rapu, regarding the government’s measures to address healthcare costs in rural areas of Sarawak.

The implementation of these projects is expected to ease the cost of living, particularly in rural areas, by providing more affordable and higher-quality healthcare services.

Additionally, the government will increase the total allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Sara Hidup programs to RM13 billion next year to alleviate the financial burden on the people, particularly in terms of living and healthcare costs.