Latest news with #MalaysiaHealthcareTravelCouncil
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Selangor ramps up bid to be top medical tourism hub
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim. KLANG: Selangor is moving at top speed to strengthen its position as a regional medical tourism hub. State government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said intense promotions have been carried out for the past two years to push Selangor's 42 private hospitals and the world-class health services available here. 'Currently, Selangor is number three after Penang and Melaka in the medical tourism hierarchy. ' According to Ng, Selangor was targeting medical tourists from Indonesia as Malaysia was their destination of choice for second opinions, health screening, cosmetic surgery as well as treatment and surgeries for various ailments. He said affluent Indonesians medical tourists do not usually travel alone, but would bring their families, caregivers and domestic helpers. 'So, while seeking treatment and medical consultation, they also stay in top hotels, visit tourist attractions as well as carry out extensive shopping. 'All these activities are a boon for the state's tourism industry.' Given that medical tourists from Jakarta and Medan prefer going to Penang and Melaka due to the close travel proximity, Ng said in addition to wooing them, Selangor was also exploring other locations in Indonesia. 'We teamed-up with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council and have gone to promote Selangor as a medical tourism hub in Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Makassar. 'We had booths to showcase our private hospitals, the facilities and expertise they offer.' He added that in pursuit of Indonesian medical tourists, Selangor has even conceptualised a campaign with its own theme song dubbed Liburan Sehat Ya Di Selangor Aja! (Enjoy a Healthy Vacation in Selangor!) in conjunction with Visit Selangor Year 2025 and Visit Malaysia 2026. He said this was also a good time to woo Indonesian medical tourists who frequent Singapore but are finding it too expensive now due to the strength of the republic's currency. He added that due to intense promotions, medical tourists to Selangor has increased by more than 10% in the first six months of this year. Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said medical tourists came to Malaysia mainly for fertility, gastroenterology and oncology treatments. He added that roughly about 80% came for treatment while the rest came for health screening with the bulk of the medical tourists coming from Indonesia, China and India.
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Medical tours may see a dip
Vulnerable position: Penang's medical tourism sector faces challenges due to new 6% service tax on foreign patients and weakening Indonesian rupiah. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Penang's healthcare travel may face challenges with the 6% service tax on foreign patients and the weakening Indonesian rupiah. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said with over 90% of Penang's healthcare travellers coming from Indonesia, the impact could be significant. 'Given the depreciation of the Indonesian currency, many may begin to feel the pinch. 'Combined with the 6% service tax effective July 1, this can impact the number of foreign patients seeking private healthcare here.' On July 1, the Federal Government expanded the coverage of the sales and service tax. This 6% medical service tax applies only to foreigners seeking private healthcare here. In November last year, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) reported that Malaysia saw 584,468 healthcare travellers arriving in the first six months of 2024. In the council's June 17 report this year: 'Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry – 2024 Performance Highlights', it noted that Penang hit a record by generating over RM1bil in healthcare travel revenue, adding to the national healthcare travel revenue of RM2.72bil. The council also said that Indonesians remain the largest group of healthcare travellers to Malaysia. Despite the expected slowdown, Gooi said Malaysia, particularly Penang, remains a key player in cross-border private healthcare. 'Malaysia offers world-class healthcare at affordable prices. Penang continues to attract foreign patients, especially from Indonesia, due to its high standards and close proximity.' The exchange rate on Thursday was RM1 to 3,844.67 Indonesian rupiah compared RM1 to 3,448.28 rupiah during the same period last year. Gooi added that affordability remains a major draw. He saw potential for growth with more direct international flights, particularly from China. 'More work needs to be done to promote private healthcare in Penang. 'We will collaborate closely with our private healthcare professionals to find new ways to attract more international patients. 'While it is still early to assess the impact, since the tax was only recently imposed, we will monitor the situation closely,' he said Gooi also said that during a recent meeting with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and state health excos, he proposed that the Federal Government consider remitting a portion of the 6% service tax to the states generating the revenue. 'I urged the ministry to consider channelling funds to states like Penang, which have worked hard to build up their healthcare travel sector. 'Almost half of the country's foreign healthcare travel revenue comes from Penang.' Gooi added that the funds could be used to improve Penang's public healthcare facilities and infrastructure, which contribute to the convenience of healthcare travellers from abroad. 'It will help keep us as a regional leader if the tax revenue is channelled back to us in some way,' he said.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
KPJ eyes medical travellers from Indonesia
KUALA LUMPUR: KPJ Healthcare Bhd is focusing on boosting its medical tourism segment, with a strong focus on attracting patients from Indonesia. Its president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said the group is aiming to tap into the large pool of Indonesians who travel abroad for healthcare. He said currently, an estimated 20 per cent of Indonesia's 270 million population, or about 54 million people, are seeking medical treatment in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. "According to data from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, more than 40 per cent of those Indonesian patients are coming to Malaysia, which is contributing significantly to our health tourism industry. "This is an immediate business opportunity, especially as the group expands its workforce and increases the number of beds in its hospitals," he said in a press conference after the group's 32nd annual general meeting today. Chin also noted that KPJ is optimising its existing medical equipment and technology, including MRI machines, CT scanners, and other advanced diagnostic tools, to support the expected growth in patient volume. The group is executing long-term strategies to expand its specialist talent pool, enhance research capabilities and embed digital solutions across the organisation. "These are critical to delivering better outcomes and positioning KPJ as a leading, integrated healthcare provider in the region," he added. Meanwhile, KPJ expects about 70 per cent of its business this year to come from age-related and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to Malaysia's ageing population, with around 15 per cent of the population now aged 60 and above. The group plans to focus on treating NCDs such as heart disease, lung disease, neurological problems, strokes, cancer, and orthopaedic issues using advanced medical and surgical treatments. In financial year 2024, KPJ invested RM406 million in capital expenditure, a 66 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The investments supported infrastructure upgrades, digital expansion and the launch of its 30th hospital, KPJ Kuala Selangor Specialist Hospital. Furthermore, KPJ also continued to improve its digital ecosystem last year, including the use of smart technologies, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics and updates to the KPJ Cares mobile app. The group also carried out initiatives related to environmental and community health through its Klinik Waqaf An-Nur network, along with measures aligned to its Net Zero 2050 target. Meanwhile, KPJ Healthcare Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar described 2024 as a significant year for the group as it continued to push forward with its transformation efforts. He said that apart from the group's financial performance, KPJ also made progress in implementing the KPJ Health System, a framework that integrates care, education and research. "This strategy reinforces our commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering long-term value," he noted. Looking ahead, KPJ is looking to expand its presence in the region and improve access to healthcare services in Malaysia. The group plans to continue developing its Centres of Excellence and improving integration across its clinical, research and education areas, while also working to optimise hospital operations under the KPJ Health System.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Enduring aches and long waits
Edmund's (not his real name) urine was the colour of cherry red at 4am. By dawn, it was the colour of blackcurrant juice, with blood clots. It burned when he urinated and he knew enough biology to be afraid. His company panel general practitioner (GP) wrote an urgent referral to a urologist at a private hospital and told him to go immediately. His company's insurance provider issued a guarantee letter within the hour. But the earliest appointment the urologist's clinic could give was three days later. So Edmund waited, worried sick about possible bladder cancer. When the appointment day came, blood and urine samples were taken in the morning. He only saw the urologist at 7pm. The radiology department was closed by then. He had to return the next day for a computed tomography (CT) scan, followed by a cystoscopy – a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra and bladder to examine the lining. He spent nearly 20 hours of waiting over two days, surrounded by foreign patients. It turned out to just be a bad bladder infection. No cancer. Nevertheless, Edmund said he now dreaded ever needing to see a specialist in Penang again. In February, another man, Johnny (not his real name) twisted his knee but couldn't recall how it happened. He limped for months, needing a walking stick on some weeks. He nursed it with painkillers, an ice compress and a brace, but the pain got worse. His GP, who had previously treated him for other 'sprains without trauma', suspected Johnny had rheumatoid arthritis and needed to see a rheumatologist. That's when Johnny's wait began. One rheumatologist was booked for the entire month. Another had a single open slot – at the end of June. Not wanting to wait any longer because he had been taking strong painkillers for months, which he knew were bad for his organs, Johnny sought an occupational health doctor who was willing to order tests and start treatment. I related their stories to a friend who is a GP. She sighed and told me that in recent months, she had resorted to admitting some of her patients into private hospitals – just so they could get specialist care faster. Even then, there were times when no beds were available – these were top-rated private hospitals and her patients were either insured or had the money. If you were to ask around, you'll find many Penang residents with similar accounts – appointments weeks away, hours-long waits even if their given appointments are in the morning or hospital lobbies teeming with international patients. In February, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council data revealed that Penang was no longer the country's top healthcare destination. Klang Valley has pulled up ahead. Between January and November last year, Klang Valley received 560,700 healthcare travellers and earned RM886mil. Penang saw 453,600 travellers and made RM866mill. The numbers are massive. But I couldn't help noticing the shift. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Penang was the crown jewel of medical tourism in Malaysia. Indonesians, in particular flocked here, not just for treatment, but also for the food. Now I wonder if Penang's position slipped not because fewer patients came, but because the hospitals here were full. That's still good news for Penang's economy – but less so for Penang's residents needing healthcare. We're used to government hospitals being crowded. But now even the private ones are packed. I don't work in healthcare and can't say what the solution might be. Build more hospitals? Limit foreign patient intake? Prioritise locals? Every idea I pondered on has complications. Maybe we just have to wait and hope that when our turn finally comes, the diagnosis isn't worse than the delay.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Industry revenue soars to new record of RM2.7 billion in 2024
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian health tourism industry recorded a new high in 2024, with revenue reaching RM2.72 billion, surpassing its target for the year by 9%, said the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC). It said the industry achieved a record volume after serving over 1.6 million foreign patients in private healthcare facilities nationwide last year, an 18% year-on-year increase. MHTC is an agency under the Health Ministry entrusted with positioning and promoting Malaysia as a healthcare travel destination. It said it has 82 healthcare providers registered under its membership programme, including 58 private hospitals, 20 ambulatory care centres and four dental clinics. 'This programme comprises elite members and ordinary members, each reflecting a commitment to world-class standards and patient trust. All members undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a committee of experts in healthcare and regulatory compliance. 'Our elite members represent the most prestigious private healthcare institutions in the country. These hospitals are internationally recognised and hold accreditations from respected global bodies, such as the Joint Commission International, Malaysian Society for Quality in Health, Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, Temos International and the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. 'These institutions demonstrate world-class clinical excellence, patient safety and healthcare delivery. 'Our ordinary members are selected through a stringent evaluation process by a selection committee comprising government and private sector representatives. These hospitals uphold Malaysia's high standards of medical care and quality service, and hold at least one international or national accreditation.' The council highlighted the impact that health tourism has on the country's economy as it not only drives revenue, but also creates employment opportunities and stimulates growth in ancillary sectors, such as hospitality, transportation and retail. 'MHTC is targeting RM12 billion in healthcare travel revenue by 2030 through our integrated healthcare strategy, which combines modern medicine, traditional and complementary medicine, wellness and rejuvenation, and anti-ageing. 'Integrated Healthcare will provide holistic care for patients and synergise the value chain within the industry. This drives exponential value growth, including revenue and profit to the private healthcare sector and government, and will set Malaysia at the crest of healthcare tourism in the world.' The council said the top medical disciplines sought by travellers in 2024 included gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery, oncology, ear, nose and throat, and cardiology. 'Malaysia's top five health tourism markets are Indonesia, China, India, Singapore and the United Kingdom,' it said.
