KUCHING, Oct 19 —The Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) is 90 per cent complete as of August 2026 and is expected to be officially launched in the third quarter of 2027.
Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the RM320 million facility would support disease surveillance and research into infectious diseases.
He said SIDC’s Disease Surveillance Programme (DSP) had conducted 13 exercises across southern Sarawak, involving more than 1,000 participants.
The exercise in Gedong Pangkor also marked the launch of SIDC’s first mobile laboratory.
“In 2027, the programme will expand to eight sites in central Sarawak, including Kapit, Sebauh and Mukah, to strengthen disease surveillance and public health interventions,” he said when winding up the debate on his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly here today.
Sagah said SIDC had also initiated a pharmacogenomic pilot study using PacBio human genome sequencing to identify genetic variants associated with adverse reactions to tuberculosis treatment.
The study aims to support more personalised antibiotic treatment based on individuals’ genetic profiles.
Meanwhile, Sagah said Sarawak would host the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Open Championship in 2027.
He described the event as a significant milestone for Sarawak and a testament to the continued growth of its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and robotics ecosystem.
“Hosting the WRO Open Championship in 2027 will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase Sarawak’s homegrown talent on the international stage while welcoming students, educators, coaches and robotics enthusiasts from around the world,” he added. — Bernama