Malaysia to gain more ground in medical tourism

Added: 2026-05-21

Malaysia's medical tourism industry is projected to strengthen in 2026, driven by rising global healthcare costs that push patients toward affordable alternatives. The industry has demonstrated strong growth, with healthcare travel revenue increasing 23.2% to RM3.35 billion in 2025 and patient arrivals reaching 1.85 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Malaysia maintains competitive positioning against Thailand and Singapore through lower costs, accredited hospitals, and Muslim-friendly healthcare services. The industry benefits from geopolitical tensions and higher costs elsewhere, attracting patients from the Middle East, South Asia, and ASEAN countries. However, long-term sustainability faces challenges from rising operating costs and intensifying regional competition.