GEORGE TOWN, May 12 – Penang recorded strong growth in its medical tourism sector in 2025, with foreign patient arrivals rising to 527,176, a 25.94 per cent increase from 418,608 in 2024.
State tourism and creative economy exco Wong Hon Wai said the sector generated RM1.136 billion in revenue last year, up 26.6 per cent from RM898.07 million in 2024.
Speaking at the state legislative assembly, Wong said the state is intensifying preparations for Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 through collaborations with airlines and healthcare stakeholders.
Initiatives include the Boarding Pass Privileges programme with AirAsia, offering discounts on health screening packages for foreign travellers, and QRIS payment facilities for Indonesian patients.
Penang is also expanding medical tourism promotions in China, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Myanmar with support from Penang Global Tourism and Tourism Malaysia.
