By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak recorded RM109.9 million in revenue from healthcare travellers in the first half of this year, with three more private hospitals planned in Kuching as the State strengthens its ambition to become a regional healthcare hub.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak’s healthcare tourism sector was gaining momentum, with 104,323 healthcare travellers recorded last year, an increase of 36 per cent from 76,796 in 2024.
He also said that the State’s medical tourism revenue surged 27 per cent to RM203.2 million in 2025.
“The State recorded RM109.9 million in healthcare traveller revenue in the first half of 2026, up 21 per cent from RM90.6 million during the corresponding period last year. The number of healthcare travellers also rose four per cent to 48,480 from 46,793 over the same period.
“These are encouraging results. They reflect growing demand for Sarawak’s healthcare services and the potential for medical tourism to contribute more significantly to our State’s economic development,” he said in his speech, read by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew at the launch of the inaugural Borneo Global MediTourism Congress and Expo (BGMT) 2026 here today.
Abdul Karim added that Kuching currently has five private hospitals, with three more expected to enter the market, representing approximately RM1.45 billion in committed private healthcare investment.
He stressed that medical tourism extended beyond hospitals and treatment, requiring an integrated ecosystem involving accommodation, transport, airlines, restaurants, technology providers, insurance companies, and tourism operators.
Patients often travelled with family members or caregivers, stayed for days or weeks and spent money on accommodation, food, transport, and local attractions, creating wider economic opportunities for Sarawak.
Kuching currently has approximately 13,000 hotel rooms, with new properties adding capacity to accommodate growing demand from healthcare travellers and their companions.
“Connectivity is a key factor in developing the sector, saying the establishment and expansion of Sarawak’s own airline, AirBorneo, could improve access for patients, healthcare professionals, investors and business partners.
“Sarawak’s competitive advantage lies not only in its healthcare facilities but also in its culture, food, biodiversity, nature, and hospitality. Our vision should be ‘Come to Sarawak for trusted healthcare, and experience Sarawak along the way,” Abdul Karim said.
As Sarawak aims to become a regional hub for advanced healthcare, medical education, biomedical research, and digital health innovation, he called for closer collaboration among the government, private sector, hospitals, airlines, hotels, universities, and technology companies to build a sustainable, competitive healthcare ecosystem.
The two-day inaugural congress and expo brought together healthcare providers, tourism organisations, technology companies, investors, and other industry players, with international delegates from countries including Egypt, Nigeria, Australia, and Bangladesh, as well as neighbouring nations.
Meanwhile, BGMT organising chairperson Audry Wan Ullok said Sarawak is seeking to strengthen its position in the global medical tourism industry by bringing together the healthcare, tourism, hospitality, aviation, and investment sectors.
“BGMT had attracted 51 participating companies, nearly 500 congress delegates from more than 10 countries, and expected more than 2,000 exhibition visitors over the two days.
“Sarawak’s strategic location in Borneo, proximity to Indonesia and Brunei, connectivity with Sabah, and access to ASEAN and the southern Philippines offered significant potential for growth,” she said.
Audrey, also president of the Sarawak Tourism Federation, added that the goal was to connect Borneo with the world while ensuring patients and their families experienced both quality healthcare and Sarawak’s renowned warmth and hospitality. — DayakDaily
