The Borneo Post

‘Sarawak can become destinatio­n of choice for oral healthcare services’

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KUCHING: Sarawak could be the destinatio­n of choice for oral healthcare services, provided that it has good travelling infrastruc­ture connecting it with other nearby regions, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In this regard, he regards healthcare services in Kuching have gained popularity among people from neighbouri­ng countries, especially those in West Kalimantan, Indonesia who would come by road via Tebedu, while others would fly in to Kuching from Pontianak.

“The industry could be bigger should there be easy access, whether by air or land, to tap into the market potential of other countries in the Asia-Oceania region. This is notable with Indonesia, with the establishm­ent of its new capital Nusantara.

“I believe that with sufficient travel infrastruc­ture connecting Kuching with other regional destinatio­ns, especially in Indonesia and Australia, coupled with the presence of highstanda­rd dental care services and competitiv­e pricing, Sarawak can be a destinatio­n of choice for people in the region to obtain oral treatment.

“I hope we could fill some of the void and missing links once Sarawak acquires MASwings from the federal government,” he said, adding that the state required air infrastruc­ture of its own to bring people into the state.

His text of speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the opening ceremony of the 12th Borneo Dental Congress and Trade Exhibition at a hotel here yesterday.

Abang Johari also expressed his confidence that Sarawak’s dental care industry would grow strongly in the decades ahead, as the state’s economy continued to be on an upward trend, with health, wellness and medical research sectors exhibiting strong growth potential.

He added that dentists and medical doctors should learn and share knowledge to update their skills in providing quality services and attract more foreigners to come to the state to seek treatment.

Also present were the event’s organising chairperso­n Dr Mary Chieng and Malaysian Dental Associatio­n president Assoc Prof Dr Mas Suryalis Ahmad.

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