KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to emerge as a hub for the healthcare sector following its success in making significant strides in various industries including the green energy sector.
 
According to Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, this is due to a surge in the number of tourists coming to Sarawak for medical treatment, particularly from Indonesia, over the past year.
 
He said Sarawak has become a preferred destination as it offers healthcare services on par with other countries while maintaining lower costs compared to countries like Singapore.
 
“Sarawak has the potential to become a healthcare hub. Not because Sarawakians are unwell, but because this region is a preferred choice for tourists seeking medical services.
 
“The cost of medical treatment in Sarawak appears to be lower compared to Singapore, and if this continues, more tourists will visit Sarawak, ultimately boosting our economy and benefiting our people,” he said.
 
He spoke at the Closing Ceremony of the 16th General Assembly of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) which concluded here, on Sunday.
 
The President of PBB further revealed that Sarawak welcomed 4.8 million tourists last year, generating a total of RM12 billion in tourism receipts including expenditure in the healthcare sector.
 
Therefore, he indicated that the target of five million tourist arrivals in Sarawak for 2025 is achievable given Sarawak’s successful acquisition of MASwings, rebranded as AirBorneo, and the establishment of several private hospitals capable of accommodating up to 300 patients.
 
“I believe we can achieve the target of five million tourists, especially now that we have AirBorneo. Since many medical tourists come to Sarawak from Indonesia, Jakarta will be one of our key flight destinations.
 
“Additionally, the number of private hospitals is increasing, including those under IHH Healthcare Berhad which is developing facilities with a total capacity of 300 beds in Batu Lintang, Tabuan Jaya, and Petra Jaya,” he added.
 
Also present were PBB Deputy Presidents, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, PBB Senior Vice-Presidents, Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof and Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, PBB Permanent Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, PBB Secretary-General, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, PBB Women’s Chief, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, PBB Youth Chief, Datuk Martin Ben, and other delegates. -UKASnews