KL WELLNESS CITY TARGETS REGIONAL MEDICAL TOURISM HUB STATUS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- KL Wellness City (KLWC) is set to become a regional medical tourism and wellness hub, with the KL International Hospital (KLIH) now 85 per cent complete and on track for full completion in the fourth quarter this year.

KLWC executive director Datuk Seri Dr Vincent Tiew said the landmark hospital will, among others, be equipped with a rooftop helipad to facilitate rapid transfers of critically ill patients, enhancing emergency response capabilities and specialised medical services.

“The helipad represents a strategic capability that addresses a largely untapped segment of Malaysia’s healthcare infrastructure. For offshore emergency medical transfers or cases requiring immediate medical treatment, very few hospitals in the country currently have such facilities.

“It also potentially supports approved commercial drone operations, such as the delivery of medicines or essential medical supplies, subject to regulatory approval,” he told a press conference today.

He said that the hospital’s strategic location in Bukit Jalil, near Subang Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), provides a significant logistical advantage for time-sensitive emergency operations.

Vincent also said that KLIH is expected to generate a meaningful economic impact through the attraction of international patients, in line with the government’s strategy to expand the medical tourism sector.

“From the outset, KLIH has targeted at least 50 per cent foreign patients, as we aim to bring foreign currency and healthcare-related income into Malaysia.

“When international patients come for medical treatment, they also contribute to the country’s overall revenue and economic activity,” he said.

Elaborating on the KLWC ecosystem, Vincent emphasised that the development extends beyond a single hospital, positioning itself as an integrated medical city that combines healthcare services, property development and tourism.

Beyond medical facilities, he also highlighted KLWC’s role as an integrated township that prioritises a healthy lifestyle through the development of a 0.6-hectare Wellness Park within the 10.7-hectare project area.

Vincent added that the park will serve as a hub for community activities, including yoga, pilates, line dancing and tai chi, aimed at promoting the well-being of residents and patients.

KLWC has also established strategic partnerships with international institutions, including Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Australia’s Newcastle University, to support research as well as training in nursing and medical disciplines.

Earlier, KLWC marked the upcoming Chinese New Year with the launch of its “Kongsi Cahaya” initiative, officiated by Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, representing the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

KLWC managing director Datuk Dr Colin Lee was also present.

During the event, KLWC also extended its corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions to several welfare homes, including Lighthouse Children Welfare Home Association, Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Victory Malaysia and Yayasan Sunbeams Home.

--BERNAMA