By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Dec 3: Sarawak has the potential to develop a thriving healthcare industry, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“This is one of the thrusts of our development in the 12th Malaysia Plan, from 2021 to 2025.
“In fact, there are already proposals from investors to set up new and specialised hospitals in Sarawak,” he revealed.
Abang Johari disclosed this at the launching of Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) Miri here on Tuesday.
“It is time for us to diversify Miri’s economy through medical tourism to supplement the oil and gas, and plantation industries to further increase job opportunities, trading opportunities and (build a) stable income ecosystem,” he said.
He added, Sarawak should emulate Singapore, whereby its healthcare industry has grown rapidly, attracting not only locals but patients from neighbouring countries, such as Brunei and Indonesia.
Abang Johari expressed his wish to see Miri flourish, robust and with a growing healthcare system.
“We hope to raise Miri up as a medical tourism hub to stir the growth of the local economy and foreign exchange,”
Also present were Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister for Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, Senator Alan Ling Sie Kiong, Miri Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng, Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon, and Mayor Adam Yii.
BMC managing director Robert Lau, BMC Miri chairman Dr Matthew Loh, BMC Miri medical director Dr Kenny Yeap, Rejang Medical Centre managing director Dr John Tang Ing Ching and Rejang Healthcare Centre chairman Tang Chok King chairman. — DayakDaily
