KUCHING: Sarawak's medical tourism sector is poised to expand after recording positive growth in the last two years.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak welcomed 104,106 medical tourists last year.
He said this was a significant increase compared to 76,796 in 2024 and 64,393 in 2023.
"This shows the potential of medical tourism in Sarawak. It reflects the confidence of foreigners as well as locals in our medical facilities," he told reporters at the soft launch of the Borneo Global Meditourism Congress and Expo here on Thursday (March 12).
Abdul Karim said the inaugural congress on Oct 12-13 tapped into Sarawak's growing importance as a medical tourism destination, with five private hospitals in Kuching alone and three more under development.
He said medical tourism generated spin-off effects for the hospitality industry, including hotels, homestays, restaurants and transport companies.
"A patient is usually accompanied by several family members and they often stay for longer than a day.
"If they come from outside Sarawak, that will be good for the hospitality industry," he said.
Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) and Orbitel Systems Sdn Bhd, the meditourism congress aims to position Sarawak as the leading gateway for medical tourism in Asean and beyond.
STF president Audry Wan Ullok said Sarawak offered modern healthcare facilities with internationally-recognised standards of care, as well as cultural diversity, a natural environment and hospitable people.
"Together, these qualities create a compelling proposition for healthcare travellers who seek not only treatment but also a meaningful and restorative experience," she said.
She added that the congress was a homegrown initiative to diversify Sarawak's tourism industry and strengthen its presence in the growing medical and wellness tourism sector.
