Johor to ride medical tourism wave

JOHOR BAHRU - In its continuing efforts to position itself as a premier healthcare destination, Malaysia has been stepping up efforts to pull in medical tourists from southwest Africa to neighbouring Indonesia, and Johor wants to tap into that bounty.

For instance, the High Commission of Malaysia in Windhoek, Namibia, hosted a health and tourism expo last week to pitch the country as a place for world-class yet affordable medical care.

Over here in Johor, the state’s proximity to Singapore and Indonesia gives it an advantage in tapping into the medical tourism sector, said Johor’s health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.

“We have two ferry terminals to Indonesia and two land customs, immigration and quarantine complexes connected with Singapore, making Johor a gateway for international patients,” he said.

Mr Ling said efforts are underway to diversify medical tourism beyond Johor Bahru.

Batu Pahat, for example, has launched a ferry service to Selat Panjang, Indonesia, to attract patients from that region, he said.

“At present, most of our medical tourism activities are concentrated in Johor Bahru, where bed occupancy rates at private hospitals are as high as 95 per cent, leaving little room for medical tourists,” he added.

Some private hospitals are already preparing for expansion, with new buildings underway to increase bed capacity and attract more foreign patients, he said.

Mr Ling said Johor contributed RM143 million (S$43 million) to the nation’s medical tourism revenue of nearly RM2 billion in 2023.

The state government, through its investment arm Johor Corporation, is well positioned to support the sector through its flagship healthcare provider KPJ Healthcare, he said.

Johor, he said, has competitive advantages, such as affordable treatment.

“Johor must capitalise on this market. Medical tourists don’t come alone – they bring their families, stay at our hotels, shop and dine here. This would contribute to the entire tourism chain,” he said.

Mr Ling acknowledged that Johor was still behind in terms of medical tourist arrivals, compared with other states like Melaka and Penang.

“Melaka has been in the industry for a long time. It has an established market,” he said.

He also said that Tourism Johor has been promoting medical tourism through annual networking sessions targeting Batam, Indonesia, and Singapore, which have received a positive response.

“This shows the market’s confidence in Johor. With strategic planning and investment, we can strengthen our position and compete with established hubs like Melaka and Penang,” he said.

Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong said the state government could help facilitate entry for medical tourists.

Johor’s proximity to the Riau Islands, including Batam, Tanjung Pinang, and Tanjung Balai, provides a significant opportunity to tap into the Indonesian market, he said.

“Most of our patients come through the Stulang Laut ferry terminal here. It’s crucial to provide them with a conducive and efficient entry experience,” he added.

Mr Leong suggested that better facilities, such as parking, transportation services and ambulances, be provided to improve the experience for medical tourists.

For example, he said that some private hospitals in Melaka would offer dedicated transport services, including vehicles stationed in Batu Pahat, to transfer patients to Melaka.

“We have a big opportunity to tap into the Indonesian market. Penang capitalises on patients from Medan while Melaka attracts visitors from Palembang and Pekanbaru.

“So, Johor should position itself to draw patients from nearby regions like Batam and Tanjung Pinang,” he said.

Mr Ari Rinaldi Mohamad Sjarif, a 54-year-old private sector worker from Batam, Indonesia, is a frequent visitor to two private hospitals in Johor.

“I picked Johor because everything is well prepared, from the moment you step off the ferry to the moment you return home.

“Although the price range is comparable to hospitals in Indonesia, Johor’s healthcare system stands out for its faster service and shorter waiting times,” he said.

Recounting his experience, Mr Ari Rinaldi said it all began when he was hospitalised in Indonesia in 2012 for high blood pressure and a persistent nosebleed.

“I was hospitalised for three days in Indonesia, but my condition didn’t improve. On the fourth day, I decided to come to a hospital in Johor Bahru, where I was immediately admitted to the operation room,” he said.

The ease of communication, he said, was an advantage.

“Communicating with the doctors and nurses is easy because Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia are similar,” he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK