MIRI: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is confident that Sarawak has the potential to grow in the healthcare industry, much like nations such as Singapore and the Maldives.
“This is one of our development thrusts in the 12th Malaysia Plan — from 2021 to 2025,” he said.
In fact, there were already proposals from investors to set up new and specialised hospitals in Sarawak, he revealed.
Abang Johari was speaking at the launching of Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) here yesterday.
“It is time for us to diversify the economy of Miri through medical tourism, to supplement the oil and gas, and plantation industries to further increase job opportunities, trading opportunities and a stable income ecosystem,” he said.
He added that Sarawak should emulate Singapore, whereby its healthcare industry had grown rapidly, attracting not only locals but visitors from neighbouring countries such as Brunei and Indonesia.
Abang Johari expressed his wish to see Miri flourish in the healthcare industry.
“We hope to bring Miri up as a medical tourism hub to stir the growth of the local economy and foreign exchange.”
Also present were Local Government Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin; Women, Family and Childhood Development Assistant Minister Rosey Yunus; Education, Science and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee; Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting, Transport Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, Dewan Negara Senator Alan Ling, Miri MP Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng, Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon and Mayor Adam Yii.
