KUCHING: The state is looking to tap the growing demand for quality healthcare across Borneo and ASEAN as it strengthens its medical tourism sector.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the potential market for quality healthcare services extended far beyond Sarawak’s population of about 2.5 million.
He said more than 100,000 medical tourists came to Sarawak for treatment in 2025, indicating the state’s ability to attract patients from beyond its borders.
“We have only 2.5 million people in Sarawak, but Borneo has 35 million. And then ASEAN is 700 million. That is your market.
“In 2025, more than 100,000 people came to Sarawak for medical treatment. This shows that Sarawak has the potential to attract people seeking healthcare.
“What is important is the quality of treatment that we can provide,” he told a press conference after officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony of Health Management International (HMI) Medical’s Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching at The NorthBank here today (Aug 10).
Abang Johari said Indonesia is among the key markets with significant potential, given its population of nearly 300 million and proximity to Sarawak.
He said Sarawak’s geographical position made it easily accessible from various parts of Indonesia, with some flights taking about 45 minutes.
“Indonesia has many islands, and we are close to Indonesia. This is an added asset,” he said.
Abang Johari said the state government would continue investing in basic infrastructure and connectivity to support the growth of the healthcare sector.
He said AirBorneo formed part of the state’s efforts to improve connectivity and make Sarawak more accessible to those seeking healthcare services.
“When there is connectivity, people can come here more easily,” he said.
Meanwhile, HMI Medical group chief executive officer Chin Wei Jia said the group would leverage its existing network of 12 dedicated representative offices in Indonesia to contribute to the growth of medical tourism in Sarawak.
She said HMI Medical had 28 years of experience operating comprehensive specialist hospitals catering to local patients and medical travellers from around the region.
“We will definitely tap and expand on that network to contribute towards more medical tourism in Sarawak,” she said.
