KUCHING, April 24 -- Sarawak aims to develop its plastic and aesthetic surgery sector to a level comparable with South Korea, while maintaining strict standards in training, patient safety and regulatory compliance, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said South Korea's global reputation in aesthetic medicine demonstrates how a specialised medical field can be transformed into a strong and trusted industry through proper regulation, qualified practitioners and disciplined clinical governance.

"I know that people want to make money. Please make money, but do Malaysia proud. We don't want to make money and have people say, 'Oh Malaysia, aesthetic surgery, all the complications - malu (embarrassing).' Because we want to be l...