Plastic surgery must prioritise safety over profit as field sees growing demand

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 24: Plastic surgery must prioritise patient safety over profit as the field continues to grow rapidly and become more complex.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian stressed that the pursuit of financial gain must never come at the expense of patient welfare, warning that such practices could undermine both safety standards and Malaysia’s strong international medical reputation.

“Malaysia has high medical standards and is recognised internationally. We must protect this reputation with full responsibility.

“Patient safety and strict adherence to professional standards must remain the top priority in every plastic surgery procedure, in line with the rapid advancement of the field,” he said during the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Plastic Surgical Update 2026 at the Borneo Cultures Museum’s auditorium today.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government pointed out that at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) alone, more than 1,000 reconstructive surgery cases are performed annually, reflecting the growing demand and the critical role of the specialty in the State’s healthcare system.

He emphasised that plastic surgery is a highly specialised field that requires years of intensive training and strict adherence to established standards.

“Training to become a plastic surgeon takes years. There are no shortcuts in this field because it involves the safety and lives of patients,” he said.

He highlighted three essential pillars in healthcare delivery, including procedures, practitioners, and premises, as the foundation for ensuring safe and high-quality treatment.

“Procedures must only be performed by qualified and registered practitioners with adequate training, and carried out in facilities that meet strict safety requirements and are equipped to manage emergencies,” he added.

Dr Sim noted that plastic surgery is not limited to aesthetic enhancement, but also includes reconstructive procedures that restore function for patients affected by trauma, cancer, or congenital conditions.

Also present at the ceremony were Sarawak Health Department deputy director Dr Azlee Ayub, SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung, head of the National Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Services Dr Mohammad Ali Mat Zain, head of the SGH Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department Dr Daphne Dewi, and acting chief executive officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Jason Tan Chin Foo. — DayakDaily

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