HEALTHCARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA: A POLICY ANALYSIS OF GROWTH DRIVERS AND THE MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE TRAVEL INDUSTRY BLUEPRINT 2021–2025

Noriah Ramli; Viana Hassan

doi:10.33102/mjsl.vol14no2.1722

Authors

Noriah Ramli Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws (AIKOL), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Viana Hassan American University of Malta, Triq San Ġwann t'Għuxa, Bormla (Cospicua), BML 1013, Malta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7372-5059

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.vol14no2.1722

Keywords:

Environmental justice, legal framework, environmental rights, Environmental Quality Act 1974, Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is a well-known tourist destination for its natural, cultural, and historical attractions and is also recognised as a growing hub for medical tourism. Over the past decade, Malaysia has strengthened its reputation as a safe and trusted global destination for healthcare, attracting visitors from around the world for a wide range of treatments. The industry continues to focus on core treatment services such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, dental care, aesthetics, and general health screening, while simultaneously expanding into preventive treatments and holistic healthcare services. Government initiatives have played a key role in positioning Malaysia as a reputable choice for medical travellers. The establishment of the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) in 2005 marked a significant milestone in the coordination and promotion of Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry, particularly through extensive public–private partnerships. Malaysia’s efforts have been internationally recognised, including being named 'Health and Medical Tourism: Destination of the Year' award at the 2020 International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) Medical Travel Awards. This paper examines healthcare tourism as an increasingly important sector of the Malaysian economy. It analyses the existing regulatory and policy framework governing healthcare tourism in Malaysia, including the Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint and related policies, while drawing insights from relevant secondary literature. It also evaluates the current market landscape and examines the strategic priorities outlined in the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021–2025, alongside other relevant policy initiatives.

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