KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is looking to expand its tourism sector by attracting international visitors seeking medical care, State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr. Andi Md Shamsureezal said.
Speaking at the opening of the KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital Health Tourism Experience, Dr. Andi said the state’s location, accessibility and cultural ties with neighbouring countries such as Brunei and Indonesia give it strong potential as a regional healthcare destination.
He said Sabah could offer medical travellers more than treatment, combining healthcare services with its natural attractions, hospitality and recovery environment.
“Sabah must continue to explore new opportunities to diversify its tourism offerings,” he said, adding that health tourism could help position the state as both a leisure and wellness destination.
Dr. Andi commended KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital for developing its specialist services and international patient support. He described the hospital’s International Patient Centre as an important step in helping overseas patients with enquiries, appointments, treatment coordination and follow-up care.
He also stressed that developing health tourism would require cooperation beyond hospitals, including partnerships with tourism agencies, hotels, airlines, transport providers, travel operators and government agencies.
Such collaboration, he said, could create opportunities for local businesses and communities, as patients’ accompanying family members may also use accommodation, transport and tourism services.
Dr. Andi said the goal should be to build a sustainable health tourism sector that benefits Sabah’s economy, strengthens its healthcare industry and creates opportunities for local communities.
He officially opened the KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital Health Tourism Experience, describing it as a milestone in the development of health tourism in the state.
Also present during the event were Dato’ Mohamad Farid Salim, Chief Operating Officer of KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Dr. Lim Keok Tang, Medical Director of KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital, and Nor Aidil Ikram Muhamad, Chief Executive Officer of KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital.- BNN
