The revenue generated from medical tourism in Malaysia reached an estimate of 2.72 billion Malaysian ringgit as of 2024. This was a significant increase compared to the revenue in 2021, which was 600 million Malaysian ringgit. The medical tourism industry in Malaysia suffered during the two-year travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a vast decrease in revenue. Leading medical destination in Southeast Asia Malaysia is well known as a leading medical destination in Southeast Asia. In 2024, there were more than 1.5 million people who traveled to Malaysia for medical purposes. According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), 60 percent of medical tourists come from the neighboring country, Indonesia. Penang is a popular medical destination city, especially for Indonesians, due to its proximity to Sumatra, one of the largest islands in Indonesia. In 2022, the Peninsular state generated more than 285 million Malaysian ringgit in revenue from medical tourism. Quality private medical care Medical travelers would usually go to private hospitals for their medical treatments. The Malaysian private healthcare system is well-developed and works to complement the public healthcare system. Many renowned Malaysian private hospitals that are popular among international visitors offer world-class medical care with the latest technology. In 2023, there were 212 private hospitals in Malaysia, representing a larger number compared to public hospitals.

In 2024, about *** million people traveled to Malaysia for medical and healthcare purposes. Medical tourism has increased in Malaysia since 2014, but the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021 caused a significant decrease in the number of medical tourists. The emerging leader of healthcare Malaysia is among other countries in the Asia-Pacific region such as Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea that have promoted the medical tourism industry. In 2005, the Ministry of Health (MoH) Malaysia established the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) to promote healthcare travel. To support its ambition to be a medical tourism hub, Malaysia focused on developing its medical sector, by increasing the number of registered doctors and encouraging industrial collaboration between its private and public sectors, among others. The MHTC was created as a separate public sector entity in 2011, which gave it greater freedom to regulate the market. Since then, there had been significant growth in the medical tourism revenue. The Malaysian Health Travel brand The industry development and promotions, both domestic and abroad, have increased their international patient base and enticed foreign investment. The collaboration of the MHTC with Air Asia Indonesia is one such initiative that aimed at promoting metropolitan cities like Penang as the medical tourism center of the nation. The National Health Institute established the International Patient Center (IPC) to assist traveling patients with immigration services, visa, and health insurance transfers to make Malaysia the preferred destination for healthcare. Through this, Malaysia could see a steady development in the industry, which was reflected in the increasing value of the tourist expenditure for medical purposes, among others.

As of 2023, Penang, a state in the Peninsular Malaysia, generated around *** million Malaysian ringgit in revenue from medical tourism, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Penang is one of the most popular destinations for healthcare treatments in Malaysia.

Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: United Kingdom data was reported at 0.100 % in 2014. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.100 % for 2012. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: United Kingdom data is updated yearly, averaging 0.100 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2014, with 9 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.100 % in 2008 and a record low of 0.000 % in 2009. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: United Kingdom data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Tourism Malaysia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.Q006: Tourist Arrivals By Purpose of Visit.

In 2023, the tourist expenditure for medical purposes in Malaysia was valued at approximately *********** Malaysian ringgit. This was a significant increase from the previous years. Malaysia's medical tourism industry suffered the consequences of travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

The Malaysia Medical Tourism market is projected to be valued at 2.5 billion USD in 2024, driven by factors such as increasing consumer awareness and the rising prevalence of industry-specific trends. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10%, reaching approximately 6.5 billion USD by 2034.

Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Taiwan data was reported at 0.600 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.100 % for 2010. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Taiwan data is updated yearly, averaging 0.100 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2012, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.200 % in 2004 and a record low of 0.000 % in 2009. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Taiwan data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Tourism Malaysia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.Q006: Tourist Arrivals By Purpose of Visit.

COMPONENT OF TOURISTS EXPENDITURE : MEDICAL (%) SOURCE : DEPARTING VISITOR SURVEY, TOURISM MALAYSIA

In 2023, tourist expenditure for medical purposes accounted for *** percent of the total tourist expenditure in Malaysia. This was an increase from *** percent in 2020. Medical tourism in Malaysia has slowly recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE OF TOURISTS VISIT : HEALTH TREATMENT SOURCE : DEPARTING VISITOR SURVEY, TOURISM MALAYSIA

Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: India data was reported at 0.100 % in 2014. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.300 % for 2013. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: India data is updated yearly, averaging 0.100 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2014, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.000 % in 2004 and a record low of 0.000 % in 2005. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: India data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Tourism Malaysia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.Q006: Tourist Arrivals By Purpose of Visit.

Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Saudi Arabia data was reported at 0.100 % in 2009. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.000 % for 2008. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Saudi Arabia data is updated yearly, averaging 0.100 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2009, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.800 % in 2004 and a record low of 0.000 % in 2008. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Saudi Arabia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Tourism Malaysia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.Q006: Tourist Arrivals By Purpose of Visit.

Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Germany data was reported at 0.100 % in 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.000 % for 2009. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Germany data is updated yearly, averaging 0.100 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2014, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.600 % in 2004 and a record low of 0.000 % in 2009. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Germany data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Tourism Malaysia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.Q006: Tourist Arrivals By Purpose of Visit.

In 2019, ***** percent of health travelers respectively from Indonesia and India to Malaysia sought out orthopedic surgery as medical treatment. Malaysia aims to be a regional hub for medical tourism.

The Malaysia skin booster market recorded remarkable growth in 2024, rising to USD 16.02 million , and is projected to surge to USD 37.39 million by 2032 , driven by accelerating demand for premium aesthetic and rejuvenation treatments. Increasing awareness of skin health, hydration, and anti-aging solutions, coupled with the expansion of medspas and dermatology clinics , is reshaping Malaysia’s beauty landscape. Influences from K-beauty trends and clinical-grade skincare innovations are fueling adoption among urban consumers seeking non-invasive, high-efficacy solutions. In 2025, the market is estimated to continue expanding , supported by rising consumer confidence and increasing preference for professional skincare treatments. Additionally, the Malaysia skin booster market benefits from the nation’s growing medical tourism sector and the affordability of advanced aesthetic procedures , which attract regional clientele from neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Supported by technological advancements, personalized formulations, and strategic brand collaborations, the Malaysia skin booster market is expected to maintain robust growth, positioning Malaysia as a key hub for skin booster innovation and premium cosmetic care in Southeast Asia.

In 2019, ** percent of health travelers in Malaysia sought out health screenings. In comparison, *** percent respectively sought out urology, ophthalmology, and respiratory medicine treatments. Malaysia aims to be a regional hub for medical tourism.

Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Denmark data was reported at 0.000 % in 2009. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 2008. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Denmark data is updated yearly, averaging 0.000 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2009, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.500 % in 2004 and a record low of 0.000 % in 2009. Malaysia Tourist Arrival: Health Treatment: Denmark data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Tourism Malaysia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.Q006: Tourist Arrivals By Purpose of Visit.

Driven by a wave of technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, the Malaysia skin booster market entered a new phase of growth in 2024. Between 2024 and 2032, the Malaysia skin booster market is expected to rise from USD 16.02 million to USD 37.39 million , underscoring the country’s growing appetite for premium and scientifically backed aesthetic solutions. The Mesotherapy segment continued to dominate in 2024, favored for its deep hydration and revitalization benefits, while Micro-needle treatments are estimated to gain pace in 2025 as consumers increasingly embrace collagen-inducing, non-invasive therapies. With innovation, wellness, and personalization at its core, the Malaysia skin booster market is projected to evolve into a regional benchmark for advanced skincare and rejuvenation. Rising disposable incomes , expanding clinic networks , and cross-border medical tourism are expected to further accelerate market growth through 2032.

Malaysia Tourist Expenditure: Medical data was reported at 3,040.100 MYR mn in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,955.500 MYR mn for 2016. Malaysia Tourist Expenditure: Medical data is updated yearly, averaging 2,955.500 MYR mn from Dec 2015 (Median) to 2017, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,040.100 MYR mn in 2017 and a record low of 2,142.700 MYR mn in 2015. Malaysia Tourist Expenditure: Medical data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Tourism Malaysia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.Q011: Tourist Expenditure.

As of 2021, a knee replacement surgery in Singapore was approximately *** thousand U.S. dollars less expensive than in the United States. That year, a knee replacement surgery in Malaysia was just over a quarter of the price of a comparable treatment in the United States. Alongside the high quality of care and access to treatments unavailable elsewhere, lower healthcare costs are one of the main drivers of medical tourism to Southeast Asian countries. Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore are the leading destinations for health tourists in the region.