Penang generates nearly half Malaysia’s medical tourism income

According to Channelnewsasia Penang is the top medical tourism destination in Malaysia. It says the northern state generates 40-50% of the country’s medical tourism income.

Using data from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), the article says that Penang’s healthcare industry generated RM500 million (US$165 million) in revenue for 2017. Key to Penang’s success, the article says, includes relatively affordable private hospitals, their niche marketing strategy, as well as supporting infrastructure like hotels and malls.

The article also says of the total, Indonesians make up the biggest group of inbound tourists seeking medical treatment at various medical facilities in Penang. Contributing to this is Penang’s similarity with Indonesia in terms of weather, food, culture and language. It also has direct flight connections from several Indonesian cities.

The article quotes Mr Heikal Rosnan, an analyst at public policy consulting firm Bower Group Asia, who noted that while the 11th Malaysia Plan has identified Penang, Johor and Melaka as healthcare hubs, the two southern states are still some way away from overtaking Penang’s position.