(From left) OncoCare Malaysia consultant clinical oncologist Dr Nur Adila Binti Mokhtar, consultant medical oncologist Dr Yugarajah Asokumaran, Tamarind Health chief strategy officer Lim Eng Seng, Tamarind Health chief executive officer Grace Chung, Selangor’s Public Health and Environment Exco Jamaliah Jamaluddin, OncoCare Malaysia chief executive officer and senior consultant clinical oncologist Dr John Low Seng Hooi, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara acting chief executive officer Dr Siva Kumaran, OncoCare Malaysia consultant clinical oncologist Dr Matin Mellor Abdullah and consultant clinical oncologist Dr Ben Yap Beng Khiong at the OncoCare Cancer Centre Malaysia launch. — ART CHEN/The Star
ONCOCARE Cancer Centre Malaysia (OncoCare Malaysia) was officially launched on Oct 16, marking the first international expansion of Singapore’s oncology provider.
The new centre, which began operations a year ago, takes an integrated approach to cancer management within a dedicated facility.
According to OncoCare Malaysia chief executive officer and senior consultant clinical oncologist Dr John Low Seng Hooi, the launch represents the group’s ongoing commitment to advancing cancer care in Malaysia through stronger collaboration, particularly in early detection and access to specialised services.
Located within Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara and spanning 12,000sq ft, the centre houses 28 chemotherapy bays, seven consultation clinics and a multidisciplinary team comprising five resident oncologists and two visiting specialists in various medical fields.
By working in coordination with Thomson Hospital’s surgical, diagnostic and radiotherapy departments, OncoCare Malaysia enables continuity of care across diagnosis, treatment and follow-up stages.
Cancer remains one of Malaysia’s leading causes of death, with more than 50,000 new cases recorded annually – many of them detected at later stages.
In her speech, Selangor’s Public Health and Environment Exco, Jamaliah Jamaluddin stressed that early detection remains one of Malaysia’s greatest public health challenges.
“The Health Ministry continues to urge Malaysians to take the necessary steps especially to regularly do screening and health checks, as late diagnosis limits treatment options and increases healthcare costs.
“In Selangor, which has the largest population in the country, the impact of cancer is deeply felt across families and communities.
“Each diagnosis represents not just a statistic, but a person’s story – a mother, father, spouse or child whose life is suddenly changed.”
OncoCare Malaysia also works with research partners and pharmaceutical collaborators on clinical studies as part of its efforts to expand clinical understanding in oncology.
“We currently have two ongoing studies – one in head and neck cancer and another in lung cancer – with more in the pipeline,” said Dr Low.
He added that OncoCare Malaysia functions as a hub for patient coordination and continuity, particularly for those who need to travel from other states.
“It’s an unfortunate fact that many services, including healthcare, are concentrated in urban areas. For patients who must travel long distances, we make necessary arrangements – stabilising patients, coordinating continued care at their local hospitals, and ensuring they are supported every step of the way. This includes patients from Sabah, Sarawak and overseas.”
The centre has also put in place counselling and navigation services to help patients and their families better manage the treatment process.
“We have designated navigators who guide patients and families through the process.
“Cost is a universal concern, not only in cancer care but across healthcare. Our nurse educators also play a vital role in supporting patients through their journey,” said Dr Low.
“Our mission has always been clear – no patient should face cancer alone.
“With the launch of OncoCare Malaysia, we hope to take a meaningful step forward in supporting patients and families affected by cancer,” he concluded.
OncoCare Malaysia is part of Tamarind Health, a regional network focused on integrated oncology care, and represents OncoCare Cancer Centre’s first international facility.
