1Malaysia Clinic at Kota Padawan reopens
KUCHING: The 1Malaysia Clinic at Kota Padawan has reopened to the public after settling 12months’ worth of rental fees.
The clinic was reported closed since Dec 1, after the deadline to settle rental fees amounting to more than RM30,000 was not met on Nov 30.
When contacted, the premises’ landlord Chang May Chieng confirmed that the rental fees for this year had been settled.
“They have paid the rent up until December. I would like to thank those who have helped to follow up on this issue to ensure that this issue could be settled amicably,” she told Borneo Post Online yesterday.
Chang had previously told reporters that she was informed by officers from the Health Department that the rental fees could not be processed as they were still waiting for a letter from the Land and Survey Department on whether it had agreed that the premises be used for the clinic.
According to her, the various departments had sorted out the matter amongst themselves and the payment was made, and she hoped that the issue would not arise again.
The clinic started renting the premises in December 2010. Previously, Chang said there was also a lapse in the rental payment in the past, but it was eventually paid.
Meanwhile, one of its staff members said that the clinic was now accepting patients, though they were fewer than usual.
“We have fewer patients today, maybe because many still do not know that we have started operating again.
“However, most of the patients who came this morning were happy because this clinic is up and running again,” said the staff, who did not want to be identified, adding that most of the patients were those residing in Penrissen and Padawan areas.
The clinic staff said most of those residing in Penrissen and Padawan areas prefer to go to the 1Malaysia Clinic here because it is located closer and there is shorter waiting time unlike in other government clinics such as the one in Kota Sentosa.
“Most of the patients who come here are those who have an appointment and those who require regular treatments such as washing wounds.”
When asked on the patients’ reaction after the clinic was temporarily closed, the clinic staff said most of them were aware of the matter.
“We have not heard any complaints as they were aware that we were closed temporarily.”
The 1Malaysia Clinic in Kota Padawan has seven staff members, including a medical officer.
Its operating hours are from 9am to 9pm. Lunch break is from 12pm to 2pm.