Melaka: The decline in the Indonesian rupiah has not affected Melaka's health tourism sector, as patients from the country continue to seek treatment in the state, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this reflects the long-established confidence Indonesian patients have in the quality of healthcare services in Melaka, making exchange rate fluctuations less of a factor in their decision to seek treatment. "They have confidence in the quality of medical services offered in Melaka. Therefore, the drop in the rupiah has had no impact and many of them are still coming here for treatment," Ab Rauf stated. He spoke to reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for a new hospital block at Mahkota Medical Centre.
Also present at the event was Mahkota Medical Centre chief executive officer Teo Chin Yee. Ab Rauf noted that Melaka recorded 339,398 health tourists as of June this year, with Mahkota Medical Centre receiving 127,216, or nearly 37.5 percent of the state's total. These numbers underscore the hospital's significant role in supporting Melaka's private healthcare sector and driving the growth of health tourism.
Melaka's health tourism ecosystem is currently supported by four major private hospitals, with Mahkota Medical Centre being a key contributor. Ab Rauf highlighted that the construction of the new 10-storey hospital block, expected to be completed in phases by 2028, is timely to meet the growing demand for healthcare services. The new block will feature a Smart Ward Intensive Care Unit (ICU), increase bed capacity to 430, provide more parking, and include additional facilities.
He added that the expansion would bolster efforts to position Melaka as a globally trusted destination for quality, safe, and reliable healthcare. The development is also expected to increase employment in nursing and allied health professions by between five and 10 percent, creating more opportunities for local residents.
Ab Rauf expressed hope that the youth of Melaka will be prioritized for the jobs and specialized positions that will be created. "We want them to build their careers in their home state and contribute their expertise to the local community," he said.