MMA Sarawak

24/12/2025

MMA Sarawak was invited to the Christmas Celebration of the Home.of Peace, Kuching on 20.12.25. This is a home for the homeless and also a home for the elderly.

It was a joyous occasion of celebration and thanksgiving.

There were Christmas carols led by Dr Tan Poh Tin and her MedicRocks Group. The keyboardist was MMA Sarawak Exco member Dr Joshua Taylor.

The Matron of the Home.of Peace Sister Flora Tingang reminded us to be grateful and thankful.
The Chairman of the Catholic Welfare Society (CWS) Mr Jacob Wong said it is in giving that we receive.
The Guest of Honor YB Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang in his speech said that we must be thankful to Almighty God for His blessings.
Datuk Dr Most Reverend Archbishop Simon Poh in his speech mentioned that Christmas is a time of giving and sharing. Christmas is also about "Glory to God in the highest, and Peace on to all people". He thanked all who had given to the Home of Peace.

MMA Sarawak sponsored some gifts for the residents. YB Dato Lo, Dr Liew Shan Fap (PPS MMA Sarawak Representative and President of SPMPS) joined MMA Sarawak in distributing the gifts.

MMA Sarawak would like to record our thanks to our medical volunteers to the home :
Dr Jay Chay (until May 2025),, then
Dr Sim Chap Hoong then
Dr Abner Jerip and YB Datuk Dr Jerip Susil (since August 2025)

Merry Christmas!

Dr. Ong Eng-Joe
MMA Sarawak Chairman

24/12/2025

Christmas Carolling with SCHOMOS Bintulu: A Celebration of Joy and Togetherness

The MMA Bintulu Subcommittee successfully conducted a meaningful and memorable Christmas carolling event yesterday in collaboration with SCHOMOS Bintulu. The event was truly spectacular, filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of the season.

The carolling team made its way throughout the hospital, spreading Christmas cheer to staff and patients alike. As part of the celebration, presents were distributed to the hospital staff as a small token of appreciation for their dedication and hard work, bringing smiles and warmth to many faces.

The atmosphere was one of unity and goodwill, as participants joined together in song and fellowship, transforming the hospital corridors into spaces of celebration and hope.

Report from Dr Parthevan Rajasingam,
MMA Bintulu Subcommittee Chairman
The event concluded on a delightful note with a potluck dinner generously prepared by the hospital staff. This gathering provided an opportunity for everyone to relax, connect, and celebrate the season together, further strengthening the bond between MMA Bintulu, SCHOMOS Bintulu, and the hospital community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated and contributed to the success of this event. It was a wonderful reminder of the power of compassion, collaboration, and shared celebration during the festive season.

24/12/2025

I represented MMA Sarawak at the IEM Sarawak Branch Annual Dinner on 19.12.25 at BCCK.

The theme was Engineering Tomorrow, Empowering Sarawak.

The Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Zohari was the Guest of Honor.

Congratulations amd thank you Ir. Dr. Angelia Liew and your IEM Sarawak Branch Exco for another wonderful and memorable dinner.

Dr. Ong Eng-Joe
MMA Sarawak Chairman

24/12/2025

53rd MMA Sarawak Annual Installation Dinner 2025

The Malaysian Medical Association (Sarawak Branch) successfully held its 53rd Anniversary and Annual Installation Dinner on 13 December 2025 at the Imperial Hotel, Kuching.

We were honoured to have YB Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, as our Guest of Honour. In his address, he shared Sarawak’s long-term healthcare vision under the Sarawak Public Health Master Plan 2050, highlighting the importance of sustainable and world-class healthcare for Sarawakians.

Dr Ong Eng-Joe continued as Chairman of MMA Sarawak Branch for a second term. In his speech, he reflected on a momentous year, including the move to MMA Sarawak’s new office at The Podium, major national advocacy efforts for doctors, and Sarawak’s strong achievements at both national and interprofessional levels.
Awards Presented
* MMA Sarawak Honours Award 2025 – Dr Abdul Rahaman Bin Pozan
* MMA Sarawak Public Service Award 2025 – Dr Ngian Hie Ung
* Long Service Appreciation Award – Mdm Dorothy Tan (21 years of service)
*Kenyalang Medical Foundation Awards for top UNIMAS Medical Students of 2025

The wonderful MCs were Dr Joshua Taylor and Dr Caroline Jhayssy anak Manja.

MMA President-Elect Dr Sivanaesan A/L Letchumanan represented MMA President Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu. The National MMA Exco members who were present were Honorary Deputy Secretaries Dr. S. Selvarajah and Dato' Dr Parmjit Singh, PPS MMA Chairman Dr Eratha Krishnan and SCHOMOS Chairman Dr Timothy Cheng.

There was a medicolegal talk given by Mr Yusri Ezzat Bin Amir, Senior Client Consultant, Marsh Specialty at the start of the dinner.

The evening was enriched by a beautiful sape performance by Dr Joshua Taylor Thomas and Dr Isabella Menon, fellowship among members, and celebratory prize draws.

A meaningful night celebrating service, unity, and progress in the medical profession.

MMA Sarawak wish to thank Sarawak Deputy Premier YB Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim, MMA President-Elect, MMA National Exco members, Marsh MEDEFEND, MMA Sarawak staff and doctors for your contributions in making the dinner a success.

Report prepared by Dr Kon Ka Hin, MMA Sarawak Secretary
Edited by Dr. Ong Eng-Joe, MMA Sarawak Chairman

24/12/2025

MEET THE PRESIDENT-ELECT SESSION

On 13.12.2025 at 6pm to 6.55pm, prior to the 53rd MMA Sarawak Annual Dinner, MMA President-Elect Dr Sivanaesan A/L Letchumanan met with doctors from Sarawak to hear our issues and feedback.

He was joined by
MMA Deputy Secretaries Dr S. Selvarajah, Dato' Dr Parmjit Singh and
PPS MMA Chairman Dr Eratha Krishnan.

Among the issues raised were the shortage of doctors and contributory factors to the shortage eg cuts in the Regional Incentive Payment(BIW) and absence of transfer allowance for contract doctors from Peninsular Malaysia reporting for duty in East Malaysia.

A total of 14 people attended the session.

MMA Sarawak thanks Dr Sivanaesan and the National MMA Exco for meeting the doctors in Sarawak.

Dr. Ong Eng-Joe
MMA Sarawak Chairman

23/12/2025

https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2025/12/provide-crucial-progressive-allowances-for-doctors-in-east-malaysia-mma-sarawak/

MMA Sarawak calls for a reinstatement of the progressive BIW allowance for doctors posted to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, plus a transfer allowance for contract doctors reporting for duty in East Malaysia due to relocation costs of thousands of ringgit.

23/12/2025

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/12/21/doctors-may-shun-east-malaysia-postings-if-allowance-cut-says-mma

Sabah and Sarawak MMA chiefs say reduced BIW risks aggravating manpower shortages, urges government to cover relocation costs.

21/12/2025

Press Statement :
Provide Crucial Progressive Allowances for Doctors in East Malaysia.

MMA Sarawak Branch fully supports the call to the Federal Government by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) President, Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, not to cut the Regional Incentive Allowance (Bayaran Insentif Wilayah (BIW))for government doctors serving in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
A new scheme like the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) should be progressive and not retrogressive by increasing the BIW and not decreasing it for the reasons alluded to in the MMA Press Statement on 19.12.2025.

MMA Sarawak also calls on the Federal Government to provide the transfer allowance for contract doctors reporting for duty in East Malaysia due to the high costs involved. Transferring from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia is more complicated and expensive compared to transferring within Peninsular Malaysia. There are flight tickets and forwarding agents to be paid which costs thousands of Ringgit Malaysia. Young doctors at the lower end of the payscale (with possibly loans to repay, parents/younger siblings to be supported financially) would be imposed an additional financial burden if they were to finance their own transfer costs from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia. The absence of this transfer allowance would further disincentivise doctors from Peninsular Malaysia to accept being posted to East Malaysia.
To be consistent with the spirit of the Madani Government, MMA Sarawak calls for these crucial allowances to be provided and increased.

Dr Ong Eng-Joe,
MMA Sarawak Branch Chairman
21.12.2025

https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/12/21/mma-sarawak-urges-putrajaya-to-reinstate-biw-provide-transfer-allowance/

https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/east-malaysia-doctors-face-allowance-cuts-mma-objects/

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/1341950/sabah-sarawak-mma-call-review-reduced-incentive-structure-prevent

08/12/2025

MMA Sarawak and SPMPS had a Zoom meeting engagement with Sarawak GPs regarding SCHB and SAFHIS issues from 4pm to 5.10pm on 8.11.25 Saturday chaired by me and attended by Dr Liew Shan Fap (Sarawak PPSMMA rep and SPMPS Chairman), Dr Lau Bik Liang, Dr Kon Ka Hin (MMA Sarawak), Kenneth Tan, Dr Peter Tang (SPMPS).
About 41 people attended.

Following this discussion, MMA Sarawak and SPMPS
1) had an urgent informal discussion at the sidelines of the Sarawak Public Health Master Plan 2050 meeting with Sarawak Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah and Sarawak Health Deputy Director Dr Azlee Bin Ayub. Dr Veronica advised MMA Sarawak and SPMPS to meet Dr Azlee first for a discussion
2) had a Hybrid Meeting chaired by Dr Azlee Bin Ayub and attended by CKAPS Sarawak Head KPPK Dr Asmah (and her team) at the Sarawak Health Department Headquarters (HQ) on 5.12.25 from 3pm to 5.20pm. Some proposals were discussed and subsequently presented at the next meeting on 8.12.25 with Dr Veronica and team.
3) had a Joint Sarawak Health Department (JKNS)-MMA Sarawak-SPMPS Consultative Hybrid Meeting at the JKNS HQ on 8.12.25 at 3.30pm to 6pm with Dr Veronica, Dr Azlee, Dr Asmah and the JKNS team.
The main conclusion of the meeting is for GPs to first apply to join the SCHB and SAFHIS initiatives by the Sarawak Government (for those GPs who have not done so yet). Subsequently, the JKNS team will assess and give feedback to the respective GPs regarding their application.

MMA Sarawak wish to thank Dr Veronica, Dr Azlee, Dr Asmah (despite being on MC) and the JKNS team for spending many precious hours to discuss about issues related to Sarawak GPs.

Dr. Ong Eng-Joe
MMA Sarawak Chairman

30/11/2025

On behalf of MMA Sarawak, congratulations Dr Abigail on receiving this Affin Invikta Top 50 Women of Excellence Award!

Dr. Ong Eng-Joe
MMA Sarawak Chairman

Heartiest Congratulations to Dr. Abigail Rembui anak Jerip!

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences proudly celebrates her remarkable achievement as a recipient of the AFFIN INVIKTA TOP50 Women of Excellence Awards 2025, awarded by TOP50 Media Synergy Sdn Bhd on 26th November 2025.

Your dedication, leadership, and contributions to the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology continue to inspire us all.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)

30/11/2025

MMA Sarawak Bintulu Subcommittee led by Dr Parthevan Rajasingam, his wife Dr Vaishinnee and the committee organised the MMA Bintulu Subcommittee Annual Dinner on 29.11.25 evening at the Nu Hotel, Bintulu.
The VIPs were
1) Ms Karen Ngu (representing YB Johnny Pang)
2) Mr Steven Kong (representing YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture of Malaysia)

Around 45 people attended.

I updated the guests present about how MMA is voicing out the issues affecting doctors with the government.

On behalf of MMA Sarawak, I would like to thank
1) Dr Parthevan and his committee for organising the dinner and for keeping MMA Bintulu active (with lots of programs carried out over the past year and programs planned for the coming year)
2) Ms Karen Ngu (representing YB Johnny Pang), Mr Steven Kong (representing YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture of Malaysia) and Alpine Construction for their support.

Dr. Ong Eng-Joe
MMA Sarawak Chairman

30/11/2025

Dr Christine Lee Mui Fong, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist gave the UNIMAS-MMA Sarawak Datu Dr Sengupta Lecture on 28.11.25 entitled Ectopic Pregnancy : When Embryo Makes a Wrong Turn. There were around 150 people present comprising mainly of the Final Year UNIMAS Medical Students.

It is important to consider ectopic pregnancy as a possibility in a woman in reproductive age who presents with abdominal pain (unless obviously pregnant with an intrauterine pregnancy). Urine Pregnancy Test kits are easily available and should be routinely done when a woman in reproductive age presents with abdominal pain of unknown origin. Good ultrasound scanners are also widely available in this day and age to assist with the diagnosis. This would hopefully reduce the tragedy of missing a patient with ectopic pregnancy.

The UNIMAS-MMA Sarawak Datu Dr Sengupta Lecture Series started on 1.7.2011.
The late Professor Datu Dr Prabir Ranjan Sengupta was born on 30.6.1936 in Negeri Sembilan and passed away on 7.7.2020 in Kuala Lumpur.
He was the 1st Professor of Surgery of. UNIMAS.
He was also the 1st Malaysian who took over as Head of Surgery in Sarawak after the expatriate surgeon left.
He was a very skillful surgeon and he trained many surgeons in Sarawak.
Besides his busy official work duties, he also found time to serve in MMA as the
Chairman of MMA Sarawak Branch in 1978-79 and then became the first doctor from MMA Sarawak to serve as the National MMA President in 1981-82
His dedication to serve people in places where there is a shortage of specialist doctors like Sarawak is something to be emulated.

On behalf of MMA Sarawak I would like to thank :
1)Dr Christine for her lecture.
2) Professor Asri Bin Said (Dean of the UNIMAS Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) and his team for their support and collaboration with MMA Sarawak

Dr. Ong Eng-Joe
MMA Sarawak Chairman