Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg (centre) performing the groundbreaking for Gleneagles Hospital Kuching on Monday (Feb 24). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak is developing resort areas in Damai and Telok Melano to support healthcare and medical tourism, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said these resorts could serve as destinations for patients recovering from hospital treatment.
The road to Damai, about 35km away, is being upgraded to a dual carriageway, and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system will also reach there.
The state government has approved the construction of resort hotels in Telok Melano in Sematan, about 138km from Kuching.
"If I'm not mistaken, three developers will invest in the area. This is a private sector-driven initiative to provide resort facilities," he said.
"This means people can spend time recuperating in peaceful natural surroundings after their hospital treatment," he added.
Abang Johari spoke to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for Gleneagles Hospital Kuching at Jalan Lintang Selatan.
He said the resorts in Damai and Telok Melano were part of the infrastructure to support medical tourism, along with Sarawak's airline, AirBorneo.
"People may come here for treatment not only from Kalimantan but also from Thailand, Cambodia, and maybe even Hong Kong," he said.
"The market is not restricted to Kalimantan. This is why we are developing AirBorneo for better connectivity."
Abang Johari said the new Gleneagles Hospital aligns with Sarawak's policy of investing in all economic sectors, including healthcare.
"I would like to thank IHH Healthcare for having confidence in Sarawak's future by developing a state-of-the-art hospital in Kuching," he said.
Gleneagles Hospital Kuching will be the 19th hospital in IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s network.
The RM400mil 200-bed hospital is scheduled to open in 2028, offering advanced specialties including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, and neurology.
It will be equipped with the latest medical technology, such as AI-assisted diagnostics, robotic surgery systems, and advanced imaging facilities.
