HEALTHCARE services at several clinics in the Northeast district have been strengthened following a RM250,000 asset contribution by Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the funds were used for the procurement of medical and operational assets for clinics in the district last year.
“This contribution reflects Syerleena’s concern and commitment towards improving the quality of healthcare services for the people of Penang,” he said at the asset handover ceremony held in conjunction with a visit to Klinik Desa Batu Ferringhi today.
Gooi also welcomed the completion of the new Klinik Desa Batu Ferringhi building, which replaces the old wooden structure under the 2025 Dilapidated Clinic Development Project.
He said the upgraded clinic is part of broader federal allocations approved in 2025, including funds for healthcare facility upgrades across Penang and the construction of a Wellness Hub in the Northeast district, which is expected to begin operations in March 2026.
Meanwhile, Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari said the new clinic has significantly improved access to healthcare for residents in Batu Ferringhi and surrounding areas.
He said the facility allows residents to seek treatment closer to home, reducing travel time and easing congestion-related delays, especially during weekends and public holidays.
Zairil also said that discussions are ongoing to relocate Tanjung Bungah government clinic to a safer and more suitable site due to space, parking and safety concerns.
“We are planning to relocate the clinic to a better place, but everything is still under discussion for now,” he said, adding that the new Klinik Desa Batu Ferringhi will cater to the needs of Teluk Bahang residents as well.
Separately, Syerleena said healthcare leadership must go beyond policy announcements and focus on listening, presence and action, while stressing the importance of inclusive facilities and greater attention to mental health.
“When people are healthy, students perform better, workers are more productive and families are happier. Every investment in healthcare is an investment in the future,” she said.
Syerleena also thanked the Health Ministry, healthcare workers and all agencies involved in completing the projects, saying the clinic reflected what could be achieved through strong cooperation and people-centred policies.
At the same event, Penang Health Department director Datuk Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin said the RM250,000 contribution had been fully utilised in 2025, with RM50,000 allocated to each of five clinics in the district.
“The clinics involved are Klinik Desa Batu Ferringhi, Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak Rifle Range, Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak Tanjung Tokong, Klinik Kesihatan Tanjung Bungah and Klinik Kesihatan Air Itam,” she said.
Dr Fazilah said the allocation was used to procure 160 medical and non-medical assets, including clinical equipment, ICT and electronic devices, security and monitoring systems, furniture, cabinets and other supporting items.
She added that part of the contribution was also used to repair the roof at Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak Rifle Range, which previously faced serious leakage issues.
“The repairs have greatly improved service delivery, as well as the comfort and safety of patients seeking treatment at the clinic,” she said.
Dr Fazilah said Klinik Desa Batu Ferringhi is currently staffed by three community nurses who provide maternal and child health services, including antenatal and postnatal care, immunisation, family planning, women’s health and health screening.
“High-risk cases are referred to Klinik Kesihatan Tanjung Bungah. With this new, safer and more comfortable facility, we hope our healthcare staff can continue to provide better and higher-quality services to the local community,” she said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian