ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor will see robust development in healthcare services over the next three to five years with private healthcare providers choosing the southern state as an investment destination, says Ling Tian Soon.
The state health and environment committee chairman said Forest City is also set to be developed into a healthcare hub following a proposed RM750mil investment by Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd (CGPV) and Oriental Holdings Bhd.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the development, construction and operation of a healthcare facility, he said.
“The project includes building a 500-bed hospital as the first phase, alongside other supporting medical services and a healthcare training college.
“This investment reflects strong confidence in Johor’s potential as a regional healthcare hub, especially with our strategic location near Singapore and Batam, Indonesia,” he said after witnessing the signing ceremony on Tuesday (Sept 9).
Ling noted that Johor already houses 12 government hospitals, with a 13th - Hospital Pasir Gudang - set to begin operations soon, while a new public facility, Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2, is in the pipeline.
On top of the investments, he said several existing private healthcare providers are also expanding their presence in the state.
“This shows the growing confidence in Johor’s healthcare and medical tourism sector.
“With more choices, patients from locals to T20 Malaysians and foreign visitors will see Johor as a preferred destination for treatment and health screenings,” he said, highlighting the need to also prepare talent to meet demand in both public and private hospitals.
He said Johor’s investment appeal was further boosted by pharmaceutical manufacturers that have set up facilities in the state, with one insulin plant supplying about 80% of Malaysia’s needs.
Ling added that medical tourism in Johor was on an upward trend, with health screening packages consistently selling out at international expos such as those held in Batam.
Meanwhile, Oriental Holdings deputy group managing director Datuk Seri Tan Hui Jing said the planned healthcare facility is envisioned to offer a comprehensive suite of services including multi-specialty medical and surgical services.
“Designed with a focus on innovation, patient comfort and clinical excellence, the project aims to attract both domestic and international patients while contributing to the growth of medical tourism in Johor,” he said.
CGPV executive director Datuk Md Othman Yusof said the proposed project aims to boost the local economy through job creation while enhancing lifestyle offerings in Forest City.
“We believe quality healthcare should be accessible and forward-looking and the partnership allows us to bring essential services closer to communities while creating meaningful opportunities for local employment and well-being,” he added.
