Taman Medan assemblyman calls for practical site choice to cut hospital project costs
PETALING JAYA: Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin has welcomed the proposed construction of a new general hospital here, describing it as a much-needed facility for residents, while raising concerns over the financial feasibility of the project and the high cost of land acquisition.
Afif claimed that the need for a new general hospital in Petaling Jaya was first raised by him during the Selangor state legislative assembly sitting in 2023.
READ MORE: New Petaling Jaya Hospital moves closer with site agreement
“A new general hospital is definitely something I welcome, whether it is initiated by the state or federal government,” he told theSun when contacted, today.
He said the proposal was important as Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) had already become increasingly costly for members of the public seeking treatment and admission.
“I raised this matter back in 2023 because there was already a clear need for another general hospital in Petaling Jaya.
“It was later supported by several other assemblymen and submitted under the Malaysia Plan through the state government,” he said.
Afif, a former doctor, said he was encouraged by recent reports suggesting that the proposed hospital could be built in Taman Medan, adding that such a facility would greatly benefit the local community.
“If it can truly be built in Taman Medan, I would be more than happy because it will become a major public facility for the people here,” he said.
However, he questioned whether the government would be able to finance the project, particularly if compulsory land acquisition is required.
“I am still not fully convinced the hospital can be realised because it ultimately depends on the government’s financial capability and whether sufficient funding can be secured,” he said.
Afif estimated that constructing a 500-bed hospital could cost around RM500 million, excluding the cost of acquiring land in Petaling Jaya, where property prices remain high.
He suggested that if the Health Ministry faces difficulties securing funding due to land costs, both the state and federal governments should consider using existing institutional land already under government control.
Among the sites proposed were land owned by Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) in Petaling Jaya and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) land along Jalan Othman, here.
“I think these institutional lands are more feasible because they are already within government control.
“Converting them into hospital land would be more sustainable and practical for the government to implement,” he said.
Afif added that such an approach could significantly reduce costs and ensure better use of public funds while still addressing the urgent need for improved healthcare access in Petaling Jaya.
The Selangor state government, yesterday, welcomed the announcement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad regarding the proposed site agreed upon for the construction of the Petaling Jaya General Hospital.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision followed a recent coordination meeting held on May 14 involving federal and state agencies, as well as local authorities.
Amirudin said the proposed site accepted by MOH was considered highly suitable due to its accessibility, proximity to population centres, cost efficiency in land acquisition and overall capacity planning.
He added that the hospital is expected to adopt a vertical development model similar to Hospital Ampang, enabling a 500-bed facility to be built without requiring extensive land while optimising construction costs.
