With Penang and Selangor leading the charge, Malaysia seeks to attract more medical tourists from emerging markets

Malaysia is expanding its reach in the booming medical tourism sector by targeting second-tier cities in Indonesia and China, such as Batam, Palembang, and Xiamen. The country is capitalising on its significant cost advantage, offering treatments up to 80% cheaper than those in more expensive destinations like Thailand and Singapore.

Already, over 60% of Malaysia’s medical tourists come from Indonesia, with a notable 26% increase in arrivals from China in the first half of 2024. This surge reflects the growing demand among middle-income populations in the region seeking high-quality healthcare abroad.

Penang and the Klang Valley, which includes Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, remain central to Malaysia’s strategy, attracting patients with their modern healthcare infrastructure and cost-effective treatment options. As the country continues to strengthen its position as a medical tourism hub, it looks to capitalise on the rising health needs of these emerging markets.