Segulai Sejalai 2025, the annual Karnival Jom Heboh, was supposed to be a day of joy, but for Norlida from Assajaya, it brought unexpected relief. She had long suffered from toothaches, but fear had prevented her from seeking treatment.
The woman, in her 40s, had originally traveled to Kuching to attend the carnival celebrations at Dataran Perayaan. However, after sampling some sweets from the festival stalls, her toothache returned.
“A friend told me there were free dental checkups at the carnival. I had a severe toothache, so I went right away,” she said. After the treatment, she felt much better. “Today, a problem that has been bothering me for years has finally been resolved,” Norlida added. Having just had a front tooth extracted, she declined to pose for photos.
Norlida was one of the more than 1,000 visitors to the Kuching branch dental clinic who provided free dental services during the three-day event, which ended on Sunday.
Dental surgeon Dr. Judith Edward stated that the dental booth at the KJH project has always been a popular choice.
“This is our second time participating in this event, and we’re excited to raise public awareness about oral health,” she said.
Dr. Judith noted that the booth not only provides the latest information on dental care but also offers visitors free dental exams, screenings, and basic treatments.
Patients requiring further treatment will receive referrals to government dental clinics for follow-up care.
The booth also features interactive activities for children, allowing them to learn about oral hygiene in a fun and accessible way. The vibrant atmosphere of the booth creates a family-friendly environment, allowing parents to enjoy dental care while their children participate.
Dr. Judith stated that the positive public feedback indicates that oral health awareness is gradually increasing, but many still need encouragement to seek timely treatment.
“This is the true value of events like KJH. They not only provide entertainment but also bring basic healthcare services to people,” she said.
