KUCHING (Aug 10): Sarawak is looking beyond its population to tap a potential medical tourism market of 35 million people across Borneo and 700 million in Asean, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said the state’s growing healthcare sector had already demonstrated its potential, with more than 100,000 people coming to Sarawak for medical treatment in 2025.
“This is a sign that Sarawak can attract people from outside to seek treatment here. What is important is the quality of treatment,” he told a press conference here.
Abang Johari said the completion of more private hospitals would provide an added advantage in attracting patients seeking quality healthcare.
“Those people want quality treatment, with the equipment, machines, robotics, and all that. Private hospitals have these facilities based on science,” he said.
“Within Asean, the country with a large population is Indonesia. It has more than 200 million people and we are close to Indonesia.”
He noted that Indonesians are already among the patients seeking treatment at private hospitals here.
He pointed out Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare sector also included investing in research, particularly tropical diseases.
The state had invested RM300 million in research and training, including collaborations with well-known hospitals and medical faculties worldwide, said Abang Johari.
“We take the best. And this becomes one of our efforts to raise the standard of healthcare,” he said.
The state government is also providing basic infrastructure to support the sector, including improved air connectivity through AirBorneo, he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s proximity to Indonesia and Singapore, coupled with its multicultural and stable environment, could make the state an attractive destination for regional patients.
“People who are sick, they want to get better. Psychologically, they must want to get better. If Kuching has a hospital of a standard, they will come to Kuching,” he said.
Abang Johari also said the expansion of private hospitals would create more high-skilled employment opportunities for Sarawakians.
“High-skilled nurses, professional nurses, doctors, they will come here,” he said.
He added that the healthcare market is not restricted to Sarawak, as patients from outside the state would also seek treatment where quality medical services are available.
At the same time, he said the growth of private healthcare would give Sarawakians more treatment options locally and reduce the need to travel outside the state or overseas.
“Now Singapore hospitals are in Kuching, you don’t have to go to Singapore. Less cost and the treatment is there,” he said.
Abang Johari added Sarawak would also continue strengthening public healthcare, including the development of a cancer hospital. Credit: Borneo Post Online