The Malaysian Association of Private Hospitals (APHM) is requesting the government to create a globally recognised vaccine passport that would link vaccination certificates with COVID-19 test results. They believe that by gaining this designation, Malaysia will be able to expand its medical tourism and attract more overseas visitors.

The APHM represents Malaysia's private hospitals and medical centres and has over 100 members around the country.

Vaccine passports, according to the Association, are a critical digital platform that uses powerful blockchain technology to identify travellers' information on immunisation certificates, testing results, and quarantine periods. It is suggested that passports be recognised globally, linking travellers to various platforms to make travel easier.

Malaysia has discussed the recognition of Malaysia's digital vaccine certification with China and Singapore, but this certification must be reciprocal in order to ensure the legitimacy of immunizations and testing.

The APHM has stated that it will collaborate closely with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council to promote medical tourism as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Association is also in discussion with the government to allow private hospitals to obtain other vaccines, while it recognises that due to the restricted availability of vaccinations internationally, this is unlikely to happen before October (at the earliest).