🧬 Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre 90% Complete, Set to Launch in 2027!

Sarawak’s RM320 million Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) is now 90% complete as of August 2026, with its official launch expected in the third quarter of 2027. 🎉

Beyond strengthening disease surveillance, SIDC is also expanding its research capabilities and international collaborations to support public health and disease prevention.

Here’s what’s happening at SIDC:

🔬 Expanded Disease Surveillance
Eight new surveillance sites are planned across Central Sarawak in 2027, including Kapit, Sebauh and Mukah. The programme aims to improve disease monitoring and strengthen public health responses.

🧪 First Mobile Laboratory Launched
SIDC has conducted 13 surveillance exercises across Southern Sarawak, reaching more than 1,000 participants. Its first mobile laboratory was also launched during an exercise in Gedong Pangkor.

💊 Personalised Tuberculosis Treatment Research
A pilot study using human genome sequencing is underway to identify genetic factors linked to adverse reactions to tuberculosis treatment, paving the way for more personalised antibiotic treatment.

🐷 RM18.38 Million for African Swine Fever Research
SIDC secured funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to study the prevention and control of African swine fever, working with research institutions in the UK and Thailand.

💉 More Funding for Vaccine Research
The centre will receive RM270,000 to explore silica-based virus stabilisation for potential vaccine applications.

🎓 Developing Local Scientific Talent
SIDC is also investing in local researchers through PhD studies in Australia, backed by RM1 million in funding, alongside RM290,000 for specialised training in the UK.

With these developments, SIDC is set to play an increasingly important role in disease surveillance, scientific research and public health in Sarawak. 🧬

📷Dayak Daily