SWIMMING AGAINST THE CURRENTS: OUR EXPERIENCE PROVIDING PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR THE STATELESS COMMUNITY IN SEMPORNA
Malaysia provides robust universal health coverage for its citizens, and primary healthcare
services are easily accessible to most Malaysians.1
However, access to healthcare does not extend
to the stateless population, including the Bajau Laut community in Semporna, East Sabah.
Semporna is often touted as Asia’s best aquatic paradise, with divers and tourists from across the
world ocking to the region to experience the spectacular waters and diverse marine life. Many
people remain oblivious to the challenges endured by the stateless population, including the lack
of access to basic primary healthcare.