Yiew (middle) presenting the chairs to Dr Christy.
KOTA KINABALU: Api-Api Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief Yee Tsai Yiew has urged the Federal Government to urgently address the aging infrastructure of government clinics in the State Capital.
Yiew pointed out that many clinics serving local communities are struggling with outdated and insufficient facilities, operating beyond their intended capacity and in deteriorating conditions—issues that she stressed require immediate Federal intervention.
She noted that several government clinics are in dire need of expansion to accommodate the growing number of patients, along with the upgrading of obsolete medical equipment and overall facilities.
“One of the main concerns is the limited waiting space inside the clinics, which forces many patients to wait outside. The shortage of chairs—some of which are damaged but still in use—further compromises patient comfort and care,” she said during a visit to the Kota Kinabalu Women and Children’s Clinic in Kampung Air.
Yiew also highlighted a critical lack of essential medical equipment, noting that ultrasound machines are outdated and that the clinic has only one baby cot available.
In addition, long-standing issues such as limited parking and poor road conditions around the clinic continue to pose challenges for both patients and staff.
Yiew, who is also Special Officer to the Chief Minister, stressed that healthcare falls under Federal jurisdiction and that it is the Federal Government’s responsibility to allocate sufficient funding to upgrade hospital and clinic infrastructure in Sabah.
She emphasised that every citizen deserves access to basic, quality healthcare.
As a short-term measure to enhance the clinic’s environment, Yiew personally donated 24 new chairs to the Kota Kinabalu Women and Children’s Clinic to improve patient comfort.
While acknowledging that this is only a temporary solution, she reiterated the urgent need for long-term, systemic Federal investment to comprehensively strengthen healthcare services across Sabah.
Also present during the visit were Kota Kinabalu Women and Children’s Clinic Medical Officer Dr Christy Dymphna Akip, Community Development Leader for N.20 Api-Api Oliver Majaham and Api-Api Chinese Community Leader Kapitan Chee Siaw Siaw.
