ALOR STAR: The Kedah government has been urged to attract investors to build an international-class specialist hospital in Langkawi to tap into the medical tourism sector.
Amar Pared Mahamud (Perikatan Nasional-Kuah) assemblyman said Langkawi should have its own private hospital since the island has been listed as number nine among the world's best holiday island by the Travel Plus Leisure Readers 2023.
"Recently, we were shocked by the news regarding the King of Norway, King Harald V, who was rushed to the Sultanah Maliha Hospital, which was not equipped with a royal ward, to seek treatment after falling ill while holidaying in Langkawi.
"Therefore, the state government should look into investing via state-owned companies or attracting investors to build an international standard specialist hospital in Langkawi," he said while debating the motion of appreciation to the royal address by the Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah in the state assembly here today (March 5).
He said the move was crucial to spur the Langkawi's tourism sector by tapping into the medical tourism niche.
"The state government should also look into optimising land usage in Langkawi by developing agro-tourism through grants and special aid.
"This double-edged initiative will spur tourism sector activities while at the same time creating new jobs and reducing idle lands in the island."
It was reported that King Harald V, who was in a two-week vacation in Langkawi underwent a successful cardiac pacemaker implant procedure at Sultanah Maliha Hospital due to his weakened heart rate.
His personal physician, Bjorn Bendz, was reported as saying the pacemaker implant has enabled the king to travel home safely.