PENANG is exploring new markets to further enhance its thriving medical tourism sector, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said.
For years, visitors from Indonesia have been the cornerstone of Penang’s medical tourism success, with steady inflows from cities like Surabaya, Aceh, Jakarta, and Medan. However, Wong believes it is time to diversify.
“We aim to expand beyond these cities and explore untapped areas, both within Indonesia and in other regions, such as the Middle East and East Asia,” Wong said at a media conference held at JEN Hotel in George Town on Dec 10.
With a reputation for high-quality medical professionals and facilities, Penang is well-positioned to attract international patients.
“We see great potential for medical tourism to flourish.
“In East Asia, we are particularly interested in drawing visitors from South Korea, Japan, and China,” Wong added.
In a separate announcement, Wong addressed logistical challenges surrounding the upcoming Penang Bridge International Marathon.
For the first time, the event will take place on the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge in Batu Kawan on Dec 15.
“Batu Kawan has limited hotel accommodations, but occupancy rates in nearby areas like Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, and Juru are nearly full,” he noted.
Participants travelling from further afield have also chosen to stay on the island and will need to carefully plan their commute to Batu Kawan for the event.
Wong highlighted the potential for further development in the hospitality sector in Batu Kawan.
“This is an opportunity for growth, and we hope to expedite efforts to expand hotel facilities in the area,” he said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting