TAWAU, SABAH, MALAYSIA Nov 10. 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday launched the new block at Tawau Hospital, which was fully completed on December 21, 2023, as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services on the East Coast of Sabah.
The launch ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health and the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, along with various public figures, including Datuk Ruji Ubi, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Merotai State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
According to Datuk Ruji, this upgrade project not only boosts the hospital’s capacity to approximately 585 beds by 2024, but also equips it with modern facilities such as a drive-thru pharmacy, helipad, escalators, and various advanced equipment.
“Alhamdulillah, had the opportunity to join PMX, the Minister of Health, and the Deputy Minister of Higher Education at the launch ceremony of the new block at Tawau Hospital,” said Datuk Ruji in his statement.
He added that this development is expected to meet the growing needs of patients due to population growth and increasing demand for healthcare services in the area. With this, Tawau Hospital will become the primary referral center on the East Coast of Sabah, supporting the government’s initiatives to ensure better healthcare access for the people.
Datuk Ruji also expressed profound gratitude to all parties involved, particularly the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health Malaysia, for their unwavering commitment.
“Congratulations and thanks to all parties involved, especially the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health Malaysia for their continuous commitment in strengthening healthcare services for the well-being of the people of Sabah,” he emphasized.
The launch of the new block comes amid the government’s ongoing acceleration of health initiatives in Sabah, including the development of hospital infrastructure in rural and coastal areas. It is hoped to alleviate the burden on major referral hospitals like Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, while enhancing safety standards and treatment efficiency in Tawau.
Local residents have warmly welcomed this initiative, hoping it will expedite treatment processes and reduce waiting times for chronic patients and emergency cases.
