Semenyih: Malaysia's first syariah-compliant and waqf-based hospital, located in Semenyih, is anticipated to be completed and fully operational by 2028, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The hospital is designed to function as a modern, high-tech healthcare facility adhering to Islamic laws and commercial ethics, and will be based on the waqf concept to ensure sustainability and fulfill its social mission.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah emphasized the importance of timely completion of the hospital project during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Semenyih Specialist Hospital. He urged for the project to be completed ahead of schedule, within required standards, quality, and budget, to benefit the public as soon as possible. The event was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
The hospital will be developed on a 2.6-acre site with a built-up area of 783,566 square feet, including parking facilities. It will offer 261 beds across various specialties and will be operated by An-Nur Healthcare Sdn Bhd. Fadillah, who also holds the position of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, stated that the project aligns with the MADANI Economy aspirations, with the government aiming to position waqf as the nation's third economic sector, contributing 10 percent to Islamic social finance by 2030.
Fadillah highlighted that the hospital exemplifies how waqf instruments can be utilized in healthcare to deliver quality services while generating sustainable returns for state waqf institutions. He also noted the hospital's goal to become the Southern Medical Gateway, improving healthcare accessibility for the southern states' population, and envisioned the model's expansion nationwide in sectors like education, housing, and social development.
Fadillah expressed hope for the integration of green technology into the project, in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap, to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Minister Mohd Na'im also expressed confidence that the hospital would act as a catalyst for establishing waqf hospital networks across the country. He stated that the hospital is an initiative of Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia, in collaboration with Highfield Healthcare Sdn Bhd, and serves as a pioneer model for waqf specialist hospitals.
Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia envisions each state having its own waqf specialist hospital, supported by corporate sectors, State Islamic Religious Councils, the Health Ministry, Islamic banking institutions, and other stakeholders. The hospital will feature worship-friendly facilities, including the Quran, patient worship guides, prayer rooms, tayammum facilities, and spiritual support.