KUCHING: Sarawak’s medical tourism sector generated RM203.2mil last year, a 36% growth from RM160.2mil in 2024.
In 2026, the state recorded RM109.9mil in the first half of the year compared to RM90.6mil in the same period of 2025.
Healthcare traveller arrivals also rose 4% to 48,480.
The figures were shared by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in a speech delivered by his deputy, Datuk Sebastian Ting, at the inaugural Borneo Global MediTourism Congress and Expo on Monday (Oct 12).
"While the number of healthcare travellers continues to increase, revenue is growing at a faster rate," he said.
In reaction, Sarawak plans to expand its healthcare and hospitality infrastructure. Kuching currently operates five private hospitals, with three more in development.
The state is also expanding its accommodation capacity beyond its existing 13,000 hotel rooms to better accommodate international patients and accompanying family members.
