Kota Kinabalu: Overcrowding, long waiting times and limited facilities at Hospital Duchess of Kent Sandakan (HDOK) have again been flagged, with calls for urgent upgrades to meet growing healthcare demands in Sabah’s east coast.
Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong Ket Kiun said the situation reflects broader infrastructure challenges in Sandakan, where basic needs such as housing and water supply remain unresolved.
“Sandakan is the second largest town in Sabah and a key economic centre, but its healthcare facilities have not kept pace with its growth,” he said.
He said HDOK not only serves the local population, but also receives referrals from surrounding districts such as Beluran, Kinabatangan and Telupid, placing additional strain on its existing capacity.
Among the issues highlighted were congestion at the emergency department and specialist clinics, a shortage of wards and beds, long waiting times for treatment, limited parking and increasing pressure on healthcare workers.
“Healthcare workers continue to serve with dedication, but without sufficient manpower and proper infrastructure, the system is under serious strain,” he said.
Chong said Sabah continues to face a serious housing gap, particularly for low-income groups.
“Sabah has the highest number of squatter settlements in Malaysia, about 11 times more than Sarawak. I hope the government will consider building more affordable housing, especially in Sandakan, at prices that are truly affordable for the B40 and young families,” he said.
“Housing is not a luxury. It is a basic necessity,” he added.
On water supply, he said several areas in Elopura are still facing persistent disruptions.
“Until today, areas like Taman Sentosa, Trig Hill, Perumahan Kam Jai Yen, Taman Mesra, Taman Sanny, Taman Mutiara, Apartment Taman Sentosa, Taman Harmoni and Sri Taman are still facing water supply problems,” he said.
Referring to plans to replace ageing pipelines, Chong urged the government to speed up implementation in Sandakan.
“I understand there is an allocation of RM500mil to replace pipelines. I hope this can be expedited in Sandakan,” he said.
He also questioned the reliability of infrastructure at the Segaliud water treatment plant.
“Is there a plan to replace pipelines at the Segaliud plant, and can an additional generator set be installed to ensure stability?” he asked.
He noted that water supply linked to Bukit Garam has also been affected by pipeline issues.
“I have raised this issue for the past five years. I hope the government will act as soon as possible,” he said.
Chong stressed that Sandakan should be developed as a key healthcare and economic hub for Sabah’s east coast, given its strategic importance.
“Healthcare development is not an expense, but a long-term investment in the wellbeing of the people and the progress of the state,” he said.
He added that the issues raised should not be politicised, as they directly affect the lives and welfare of the people.
“Health is not a political issue. It is about lives, dignity and the rights of the people,” he said.
