Malaysia has competitive edge in medical tourism: Expert
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is positioning itself as a competitive destination for medical tourism, with affordable health care costs, trusted professionals and a growing reputation for quality services, said Al-Islam Specialist Hospital director Dr Ishak Mas'ud.
He added that the significant cost advantage of Malaysia's healthcare sector compared with other countries, particularly neighbouring Singapore, is among the reasons individuals prefer Malaysia as the destination to seek treatment.
'Let us take Singapore as an example. It is definitely more expensive there compared with here. Their currency is more than three times stronger. Anywhere you go, that is the basic reality. If we compare, Malaysia is not just a little, but significantly cheaper.'
He said Malaysia's openness, cultural familiarity and availability of halal-compliant services make it a preferred destination for Muslim medical tourists, especially from the Middle East.
He also said while countries such as Thailand are leading in Southeast Asia's medical tourism sector, Malaysia is catching up fast.
'I believe that with the right strategy and government support, Malaysia could become a regional hub,' he said.
'If we manage it more aggressively and strengthen our systems, we would be in an even better position. The government has a role to play in building the structure to support this growth.'
He added that Malaysia should study what Thailand did to boost their health tourism industry further.
Ishak emphasised that while health tourism is an economic opportunity, industry players must remain focused on care and compassion.
'Yes, health tourism is a business but it cannot just be about profits. We are here to help people. That is what truly matters,' he said, adding that patients from as far as Somalia would travel to Malaysia despite the distance, simply because they feel safe and comfortable here.
'Our facilities may not be world-class in every aspect but the trust and comfort we offer is what keeps them coming.'
A health tourism expert, who wished to remain anonymous, said at least 80% of tourists that have sought medical treatment in Malaysia are from Indonesia.
She added that the top five treatments that Indonesian patients seek in Malaysia are for heart-related conditions, cancer, orthopaedics, general health screenings and gastroenterology procedures.
She said this was mainly due to the limited number of specialist doctors and medical facilities in Indonesia to meet the high demand for such treatments.
'However, the types of treatments sought by patients from different countries vary. This is largely influenced by the cost of treatment in their home countries and the waiting time required to see specialist doctors there.
'Chinese travellers would come here just because it is faster for them to get in-vitro fertilisation treatment in Malaysia despite more advanced facilities available in their country.'
She emphasised that one of the main reasons behind Malaysia's strong performance in the health tourism industry is the regulation of service prices at private healthcare facilities by the Health Ministry.
'The implementation of ceiling prices for treatments in Malaysia is a major factor attracting patients, as such pricing regulations are not commonly found in other countries.'
Dubai-based firm Nomad Capitalist has also ranked Malaysia as its top destination for medical tourism, behind countries such as Singapore, India and Turkiye.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Al-Aqar locks in RM15mil annual rent from new KPJ hospital leases
KUALA LUMPUR: Al-Aqar Healthcare Real Estate Investment Trust (Al-Aqar Reit) is set to secure more than RM15 million in annual base rental income through new long-term lease agreements with KPJ Healthcare Bhd. This follows the trust's proposed acquisition of two new buildings at KPJ hospitals in Ampang and Penang worth a combined RM241 million. The 15-year leases, covering properties at KPJ Ampang Puteri and KPJ Penang, will commence upon the completion of the RM131 million and RM110 million purchases, respectively. Both properties will be leased back to their current operators under structured contracts that include fixed rental escalations and market-based rent reviews. In a bourse filing today, Al-Aqar Reit said the first-year base rent for the Ampang building is RM8.19 million, while the Penang building will contribute RM6.88 million, totalling RM15.07 million annually. The second and third years will see a two per cent increase each year. From the fourth year onwards, rental will be subject to periodic reviews based on open market value but capped at a maximum annual increment of two per cent. "Any adjustment to the rent shall not be more than two per cent incremental increase over the rent for the preceding year," it said, adding that both lease agreements come with renewal options for another 15 years. Unitholders will vote on the proposals at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for June 25 in Johor Bahru. If approved, the deal will boost Al-Aqar Reit's recurring income profile without materially affecting its net asset value (NAV) per unit. "The proposed acquisitions are not expected to have a material effect on the NAV per unit of Al-Aqar Reit," it added.
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
China to make all hospitals offer epidurals to incentivise childbirth
THE country said that by the end of this year, all tertiary-level hospitals must offer epidural anaesthesia during childbirth, a move it said would help promote a 'friendly childbearing environment' for women. Tertiary hospitals – those with more than 500 beds – must provide epidural anaesthesia services by 2025, while secondary hospitals – those with more than 100 beds – must provide the services by 2027, China's National Health Commission (NHC) said in a statement last week. Authorities are struggling to boost birth rates in the world's second largest economy after China's population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024 with experts warning the downturn will worsen in the coming years. Around 30% of pregnant women in China receive anaesthesia to relieve pain during childbirth, compared with more than 70% in some developed countries, the official China Daily said. The World Health Organisation recommends epidurals for healthy pregnant women requesting pain relief and it is widely utilised in many countries around the world, including France, where around 82% of pregnant women opt to have one, and in the United States and Canada where more than 67% do. The move will 'improve the comfort level and security of medical services' and 'further enhance people's sense of happiness and promote a friendly childbearing environment', the NHC said. A growing number of provinces across China are also beginning to include childbirth anaesthesia costs as part of their medical insurance schemes to encourage more women to have children. High childcare costs as well as job uncertainty and a slowing economy have discouraged many young Chinese from getting married and starting a family. In June, health authorities in China's southwestern Sichuan province proposed to extend marriage leave up to 25 days and maternity leave up to 150 days, to help create a 'fertility-friendly society'. — Reuters
The Star
20 hours ago
- The Star
‘Age is just a number': China grandma, 71, comes third in fitness contest, shares health tips
A 71-year-old Chinese grandmother has come third in a fitness contest after foll0wing a strict and demanding fitness regime. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/Jimu BEIJING (SCMP): A Chinese grandmother has inspired countless netizens after winning third place in a fitness competition, following four years of rigorous training. On June 1, 71-year-old Sun Minghui, who is originally from Ma'anshan in Anhui province, central China, won the bronze medal in the mixed-gender category at the 2025 Wuhan round of the National Fitness Newcomers Quality Competition. Sun was the oldest competitor at the event. Before retiring, she worked in the cafeteria of a steel factory and despite the demands of her job, always maintained a passion for exercise. Sun Minghui, who won a bronze medal in the contest, was the oldest person taking part. -- Photo: After retirement, she explored a variety of sports, including cycling, jumping rope, jogging, and hiking. She only began formal fitness training at the age of 67 and has developed an impressive six-pack and firm overall muscle tone. 'After just over a month of training, I began to see changes. My biceps became visible, and the contours of my lats started to show. I did not lose muscle with age; I gained it. That gave me a huge confidence boost. 'This proves that no matter your age, you can do strength training or other exercises. Moving is always better than staying still,' Sun told Hubei Media Group. Sun follows a strict training regime and pays close attention to what she eats to stay fit. -- Photo: She now follows a scientific and disciplined fitness regime. She eats four to five egg whites daily to ensure a high-quality protein intake and sticks to a low-oil, low-salt, low-sugar diet. Her workout routine includes at least five training sessions per week, each lasting over an hour. Sun also emphasises safety and sustainability when it comes to senior fitness, advising that older adults should exercise at '70 per cent effort' to ensure gradual, injury-free progress. 'I am 71 years old. Age is just a number, not a limitation. Some people think seniors should just drink tea and go for walks, but I want something different. I want to lift dumbbells and let my muscles do the talking,' Sun told Jimu News. She is also a keen cyclist. In 2014, at the age of 60, she cycled from China's easternmost point to its southernmost city, Sanya, covering 6,316 kilometres in 45 days and setting a new Guinness World Record with her teammates. Sun on her bicycle. The 71-year-old set a Guinness World Record with her teammates by cycling across China. -- Photo: 'Ageing is inevitable, but exercise can transform both your physical and mental well-being. I hope my story encourages more elderly friends to make the most of their free time after retirement and take control of their health,' Sun said. She now also shares her fitness journey on social media. One online observer said: 'I think this is amazing. When seniors stay healthy, it is a blessing for their children too. Her kids must be so proud of her!' - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
