Melaka Eyes 300,000 Indonesian Medical Tourists This Year
GENERAL
MELAKA, May 18 (Bernama) -- Melaka is targeting about 300,000 Indonesians to receive healthcare services at four private hospitals in the state this year, as part of efforts to boost its medical tourism sector.
State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said that of the 800,000 Indonesians who visited Malaysia for medical treatment and check-ups last year, over 25 per cent were treated in Melaka.
He added that various efforts were being actively undertaken to promote the services offered by the four private hospitals in the state, aiming to attract medical tourists from Indonesia, particularly from Pekanbaru.
'Last year, I was told that Mahkota Medical Centre received around 95,000 foreign patients, including from Indonesia, representing over 10 per cent of Indonesians who sought medical services in Malaysia.
'Recently, I joined the Putra Specialist Hospital team in Pekanbaru to promote its medical services, in collaboration with the city's deputy mayor,' he said when met by reporters at the opening ceremony of the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) programme for the Sungai Udang state constituency here today.
Ngwe said private hospitals in Melaka were a preferred choice among Indonesians due to the lower cost of healthcare services compared to those in the republic and the state was conveniently located near Sumatra.
He said that, based on records, most patients were from Bengkalis and Dumai, travelling via ferry services.
Meanwhile, Ngwe said there had been a request for Melaka to resume flight services between Melaka International Airport (LTAM) in Batu Berendam and Pekanbaru.
'The request was made during a meeting with Pekanbaru leaders earlier this week. I have invited the Pekanbaru mayor and the Riau governor to Melaka to meet with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to discuss the matter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
WHO warns of rising Covid-19 cases due to new variant; many countries are reporting big numbers in cases
SOUTH-EAST ASIA (Bernama-WAM): The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of a rise in Covid-19 infections linked to the emergence of a new variant, NB.1.8.1, which is currently under investigation, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. While the organisation confirmed that the new variant does not pose a greater health risk than previous strains, it noted that the continued evolution of the virus could lead to new waves of infection. In recent international reports, many countries, including those in South-East Asia, have reported rising Covid-19 cases. WHO stated that the current increase aligns with the virus's seasonal pattern and emphasised that the need for hospitalisation or intensive care remains limited due to widespread community immunity and vaccination coverage. The global health body classified the overall global risk level as "high', urging countries to strengthen health surveillance, integrate Covid-19 into seasonal respiratory disease strategies, combat misinformation, and encourage individuals to adhere to preventive measures. - Bernama-WAM
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Melaka Covid-19 cases surge by over 20pct
AYER KEROH: Melaka recorded a surge in Covid-19 cases, with a rise of more than 20 per cent in new infections during Epidemiological Week 23 (ME 23), from June 1 to 7. State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said a total of 93 new cases were reported, up from 77 the previous week. He said the increase brought the cumulative number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Melaka to 164,821. "However, no deaths or admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) have been reported. "As of Saturday, there were also no active clusters recorded either within or outside the state," he said in a statement today. Ngwe said as of ME 23, Melaka had recorded 1,545 cases of Covid-19 variants categorised as Variants of Concern (VOC) and Variants of Interest (VOI). This included seven cases of the Beta VOC, 144 Delta VOC cases, 1,276 Omicron VOC cases, and 79 VOI cases. "The State Health Department will continue to monitor the transmission of the virus, and preventive and control measures will be carried out continuously with the support and cooperation of various agencies," he said.
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
NSTP photo editor with cancer receives aid under Tabung Kasih@Hawana
PUTRAJAYA: New Straits Times Press (NSTP) photo editor Ikhwan Munir, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer, received financial aid under the Tabung Kasih@Hawana initiative today. The aid was presented by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil when he visited Ikhwan at Putrajaya Hospital today. Ikhwan, 50, is undergoing treatment at the hospital following his diagnosis in May. He has served with NSTP for 29 years. After the visit, Fahmi said the aid was part of the government's efforts to support media practitioners facing difficult circumstances. "Today, we visited Ikhwan to deliver a small contribution under the Tabung Kasih@Hawana initiative. "We hope the money and basic necessities will bring him some comfort and encouragement during this challenging time." Present were Media Prima News and Current Affairs group managing editor Jasbant Singh, Berita Harian group editor Zulkifli Jalil, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, as well as representatives from Media Prima. Fahmi thanked Media Prima for its continued concern for the wellbeing of its staff. He said his ministry, together with Bernama, would continue to monitor Ikhwan's condition to determine whether further assistance would be needed. "His wife is no longer working and we have taken note of several matters. "There is a 16-year age gap between their two children and the eldest is helping to care for the youngest." On the aid programme, Fahmi said 405 media practitioners have benefited from the initiative since its launch in 2023. "We hope that when we celebrate Hawana (National Journalists Day) this Saturday, on June 14, we will not only be able to extend support to more individuals, but also review the needs of previous recipients and provide additional aid if necessary." Jasbant thanked the ministry and Bernama for the assistance. "This reflects the minister's deep concern for the welfare of members of the journalism community in our country. "The aid given is certainly meaningful to Ikhwan's family and will help ease their burden as they face this difficult time. "I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the hospital for the high-quality care provided, which has proven effective, as Ikhwan is gradually recovering."
