KUCHING: Sarawak is developing resort areas in Damai and Telok Melano near here to support healthcare and medical tourism, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He said the resorts will provide recuperation destinations for patients after receiving hospital treatment in Kuching.
“We’re developing two resort areas.
“In Damai, we’re constructing a dual carriageway and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system will extend there,” Abang Johari told a press conference after performing the groundbreaking ceremony for Gleneagles Hospital Kuching at Jalan Lintang Selatan, here yesterday.
Abang Johari also said there was a proposal for a golf course to be built at Telok Melano, while the state government had approved builds on resort hotels there.
“If I’m not mistaken, three (developers) will invest in the area.
“This is a private sector-driven initiative to provide resort facilities.
“This allows people to recuperate in peaceful, natural surroundings after hospital treatment,” he added.
Abang Johari said the resorts in Damai and Telok Melano, respectively about 35km and 138km from here, were part of the infrastructure to support medical tourism, along with the state’s own airline AirBorneo.
“People may come here for treatment, not only from Kalimantan but also Thailand, Cambodia and maybe even Hong Kong.
“The market is not restricted to Kalimantan. This is why we are developing AirBorneo for better connectivity,” he said.
Abang Johari also said the new Gleneagles Hospital was in line with the Sarawak government’s policy of investing in all economic sectors, including healthcare.
“I would like to thank IHH Healthcare for having confidence in Sarawak’s future by developing a state-of-the-art hospital in Kuching,” he said.
Gleneagles Hospital Kuching will be the 19th hospital under IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s network.
The RM400mil 200-bed hospital is scheduled to open in 2028, and will offer advanced specialist consultation including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics and neurology, among others.
It will be equipped with the latest in medical technology such as artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics, robotic surgery systems and advanced imaging facilities.
