Penang medical tourism generates RM601.8m in H1 2026

Penang has recorded significant growth in its medical tourism sector, attracting approximately 285,400 medical tourists and generating RM601.8 million in revenue during the first half of 2026. This follows a strong performance in 2025, where the state welcomed 527,176 foreign patients and generated RM1.14 billion in revenue.

Penang currently accounts for more than one-third of Malaysia’s total medical tourism industry in both visitor numbers and economic contribution. The state’s competitive advantages include internationally certified medical institutions, modern equipment, cost-effective services, and multilingual capabilities.

Indonesia remains the largest source market for Penang, supported by direct flights from cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, and Medan. A new direct flight route between Batam and Penang is scheduled to commence on October 18, 2026. Moving forward, authorities aim to diversify international markets by targeting potential travelers from the Arab region and Australia.