The allocations, channelled through the Health Ministry to the State Government was for the constructions of five new hospitals in Dalat, Sarikei, Lawas, Belaga and Sri Aman. Another 34 health clinics had also been approved under the same plan.

Part of the allocation, he said would be distributed to the mobile health clinics, flying doctors services  and construction of health and medical staff quarters throughout Sarawak, so as to provide conducive places for them and their families.

This was disclosed by the Deputy Prime Minsiter Dato' Seri Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi in his speech to officially declare the open the RM99.55 million Bintulu New Hospital at Jalan Nyabau near this afternoon.

Dato' Seri Abdullah said that the allocation was much more compared to that allocated to the other states in West Malaysia due to the facts that Sarawak still lack the infrastructures and basic amenities available in those states.

In his speech Badawi said that the Federal government had mooted the idea of constructing a new and modern hospital for Bintulu since 1980 as the old one was too small to cater for the ever increasing population of Bintulu division due to the construction of several major industries taking place at Tanjung Kidurong.

The establishment of the hospital here, Badawi said was a manifestation of the government attitude towards the people so that they could enjoy better social and health care services and facilities, particularly those who were in and around Bintulu area.

Situated on an area of 85 acres along the Nyabau road in the Kidurong area, the new hospital was completed in August 1999 and became operational on May 21, 2000.

It has a total of 273 beds compared to only 127 previously allocated to various sections such as the operation theatre, phyisian, paediatric, Obstetric, Paediatric, Orthopaedic, Gynaecology, Intensive-Care-Unit and Nursery disciplines.

Other facilities available are the Diagnostics, administration, specialist clinics, canteen, visitors room, forensic unit, counter and recreation room. Other services available are treatement wards, specialist clinics, laboratory, pharmacy, x-ray, medical record, management and administration, operation theatre, physiotheraphy, catering, forensic and security.

Until September 2001, Badawi said that Bintulu hospital has a total of 289 staffs which is made up of 13 medical officers, four specailists, 85 nurses and 61 community nurses compared to a total of only 190 in 1996. More medical staffs, he said would be recruited or sent to Bintulu hospital in time to come.

Earlier on, the Deputy Prime Minister also declared opened  the Police complex at the Police Headquarter here.

In his speech Badawi said that three more similar project had been completed in Miri, Marudi and Tatau, while construction of another one was still ongoing, saying that the Bau and Mukah Police headquarters were now 90 percent completed.

Eight more police station which costs a total of RM150 million would also be constructed at Tebedu, Kota samarahan, Betong, Limbang Bintulu and Kuching.

He also said that the federal government would spend a total of RM36 million on the painting of police complexes and quarters nationwide and another RM20 million for the purchase of more than 200 units of vehicles for use by the police in carrying their duties to serve the nation and people.

In view of the heavy tasks and responsibilities undertaken by the traffic police who have to work under all conditions irrespective of days and nights, Badawi today announced that all traffic police personnel would get addittional allowance of RM100 per month soon.

He praised the police personnel for their excellent jobs in providing protection and security to the people which in turn lead to peace and racial harmony among the people at large.

Among those who were present during the two occassions were the Inspector General of Police Dato' Norain Mai, the Minister for Health Dato' Chua Jui Meng, the Minister for Prime Industry Dato' Seri Ling Kim Yek, the deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. George Chan Hon Nam, the Minister for Housing Datuk Celestine Ujang Anak Jilan, the Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, the Memmber of Parliament for P190 Bintulu Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing, Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato' Mohammad Jafar, Bintulu Disional Police Chief Sulaiman Osman and Talib Zulpilip (N54 Jepak), Michael Sim Kiam Hui (N53 SUPP) and Dr. Stephen Rundthee (N52 Kemena) and others communities leaders and BN supporter.