By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 15: The upcoming Sarawak-owned airline, AirBorneo, will be a crucial game-changer in strengthening air connectivity and positioning the State as a strategic regional and reputable medical and health tourism hub.
Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan stressed that improved air access is essential to strengthening Sarawak’s medical tourism landscape, especially for key neighbouring markets such as Indonesia and Brunei.
“This conference marked an important step in accelerating Sarawak’s progress toward becoming a regional leader in medical tourism, complementing national aspirations under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026,” he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the International Medical Conference – ITMC at Imperial Hotel recently.
The two-day conference, held from Nov 11–12, brought together 200 multinational delegates, exhibitors and speakers representing private hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment suppliers, tour operators, NGOs, hoteliers, wellness practitioners, insurance providers, financial institutions, airlines, government agencies and investors.
He urged all participants to take home the ideas, partnerships and insights gained during the conference and to transform the vibrant discussions into meaningful actions that strengthen the healthcare ecosystem, benefit patients and contribute to Sarawak’s economic growth.
Snowdan emphasised that the ministry is not merely a supporter but an active and committed partner in driving the medical and health tourism sector forward.
He said the ministry’s support spans multiple fronts, including ongoing efforts to enhance air and land accessibility, acknowledging that seamless travel is a fundamental requirement for international medical travellers.
“Sarawak is working to elevate its post-treatment recuperation offerings through integrated, nature-based wellness experiences designed to provide a serene ‘healing in paradise’ environment at destinations such as Damai and Telok Melano.
“At the same time, the ministry continues to collaborate closely with the private healthcare sector, including the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), to promote Sarawak’s unique value proposition that combines quality, affordable medical care with the State’s rich natural and cultural heritage for holistic recovery,” he said.
Among those present during the conference were Ministry of Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahattar Abd Wahab, former health director-general and UCSI Healthcare Group chairman Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Dr Abdullah Zulkifli and Indonesian Consul for Economic Affairs Musa Derek Sairwona. — DayakDaily
