Sarawak targets Borneo’s medical tourism market with regional gateway strategy

KUCHING (March 12): Sarawak is strategically positioning itself as Borneo’s gateway for medical tourism, tapping into rising demand from neighbouring Indonesia and Brunei, as well as its close proximity to Kalimantan.

State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government is adopting a long-term approach to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem and attract more regional patients, particularly from Indonesia, which accounts for the largest share of Malaysia’s medical tourists.

“Our vision for medical tourism in Sarawak is clear.

“We aim to position Sarawak as a trusted regional gateway for healthcare services, particularly for patients from neighbouring regions such as Kalimantan, Brunei and other parts of Asean,” he said during the soft launch of the inaugural Borneo Global MediTourism Congress & Expo (BGMT) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

Abdul Karim noted that the growing number of private hospitals in Kuching reflects rising demand from both locals and international patients.

“When private hospitals come up in a small city like Kuching, which has less than a million people, it shows there are patients coming over.

“You can even hear them speaking in the hospital lobbies ― that means there many are seeking treatment in Sarawak,” he said.

The minister highlighted that improved air connectivity has further facilitated cross-border medical travel, with flights from Kuching to Jakarta driving an increase in patients from Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia.

Bruneians are also among those travelling to Sarawak for healthcare services.

Abdul Karim explained that medical tourism benefits beyond hospitals, positively impacting the wider economy as patients are often accompanied by family members who stay for extended periods.

“When they come, they stay in hotels, utilise transportation services, dine in local restaurants and often extend their stay for recuperation and leisure.

“Medical tourism not only benefits hospitals, but also supports tourism operators, hospitality providers, small businesses and the wider service industry,” he said.

Abdul Karim added that Sarawak’s proximity to Kalimantan offers a strategic advantage, with Indonesian patients making up nearly 65 per cent of Malaysia’s medical tourists.

“This gives Sarawak a unique position to serve as a medical gateway for Borneo.

“Coupled with improved regional connectivity and economic integration within the BIMP-EAGA region, new opportunities for healthcare and tourism collaboration are opening up,” he said.

Abdul Karim also emphasised the importance of integrated infrastructure to support the sector, including air travel, transport systems, and the upcoming ART system, which will pass by some private hospitals to facilitate access.

He expressed confidence that the Borneo Global MediTourism Congress and Expo will grow into a recognised regional platform for the healthcare tourism industry.

“What matters is consistency, credibility and collaboration with the right support from both the public and private sectors,” he said.

The Borneo Global MediTourism Congress and Expo 2026 will take place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Oct 12 and 13.