Penang has reaffirmed its position as Malaysia’s leading medical tourism hub, recording RM888.7 million in revenue and treating 412,944 foreign patients in 2024, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Citing figures from the Penang Centre of Medical Tourism (PMED), Chow said the state continues to attract international patients despite the growing presence of medical facilities across the country.

“As of August 18 this year alone, Penang has already welcomed 213,032 foreign patients, generating RM461.4 million in revenue,” he revealed at the official launch of Icon Sunsuria and Island Hospital’s Cancer Centre.

While Penang’s overall share of the medical tourism market has declined from 60 per cent previously to just above 40 per cent due to rising competition nationwide, Chow stressed that the sector’s revenue has shown consistent growth.

He highlighted the expansion of private healthcare facilities in the state, including new hospitals and specialised centres. “The opening of this new cancer centre will provide value-added services to the industry here. Along Island Hospital Road, we now see the new wing of Island Hospital and the recently opened Northern Heart Centre. It is definitely a growing sector,” he said.

Chow noted that Penang’s healthcare providers are equipped with cutting-edge technology and highly skilled specialists, ensuring world-class treatment for both local and international patients. “Beyond serving our local community, Penang is treating patients from across the region, providing better and more advanced treatment options every year,” he said.

The newly launched Icon Sunsuria Cancer Centre at Island Hospital is set to double the facility’s capacity, offering expanded services such as a women’s cancer programme and hematology services, including stem cell transplantation.

Chow added that such developments reaffirm Penang’s status as a premier destination for medical tourism and strengthen its role in Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem.