KUALA LUMPUR: PMCK Bhd
remains cautiously optimistic on Malaysia's private healthcare sector, citing resilient long-term demand despite near-term economic uncertainties.
For the fourth quarter ended April 30, PMCK's net profit doubled to RM4.7mil, translating into earnings per share of 0.43 sen, lifting its full-year net profit 35.1% to RM15.3mil, or 1.40 sen per share.
Quarterly revenue, however, fell 8.3% to RM19mil, bringing full-year revenue down 4.9% to RM88.9mil.
As at April 30, PMCK remained in a robust financial position with total liquid funds of approximately RM91.63mil comprising cash and bank balances of RM26.19mil, fixed deposits of RM11.01mil and short-term investments of RM54.43mil.
Total equity rose to RM162.19mil from RM90.52mil a year earlier, while net assets per share attributable to owners improved to 15 sen.
Managing director Datuk Lee Gaik Cheng said the group's FY2026 performance reflected the resilience of its healthcare business, enabling it to deliver stronger profitability despite a softer operating environment following the conclusion of the Hospital Services Outsourcing Programme.
"While revenue moderated during the second half of the financial year, our focus on operational efficiency, service quality and prudent cost management enabled us to improve earnings and further strengthen our financial position," she said.
PMCK said it remains cautiously optimistic on the outlook for Malaysia's private healthcare industry, supported by favourable demographic trends, rising healthcare awareness and increasing demand for timely access to quality healthcare services.
"These structural drivers continue to underpin long-term demand for private healthcare despite near-term economic uncertainties," it said.
The group said it continues to monitor developments under the government's RESET healthcare initiative, including healthcare affordability measures, medical insurance reforms and the proposed diagnosis-related group (DRG) framework.
It added that it remains supportive of public-private healthcare collaborations and is prepared to participate in future programmes where appropriate.
Meanwhile, PMCK said construction of PMC Kulim remains on track, with the hospital near Kulim Hi-Tech Park slated to commence operations in the first quarter of 2028. The facility is expected to be a key long-term growth driver for the group.
“We believe the new hospital will strengthen our presence in one of Malaysia’s key industrial corridors and enable us to capture growing healthcare demand from the expanding population, workforce and business community surrounding Kulim Hi-Tech Park,” Lee said.
