Melaka is a key health tourism hub for VM2026, leveraging its medical expertise, competitive costs and diverse attractions to attract Indonesian visitors and boost national revenue.
MELAKA: Melaka has been identified as a primary destination to drive health tourism for Visit Malaysia 2026, particularly targeting visitors from Indonesia.
Tourism Malaysia’s Administrative Division director Amirul Ariffin Md Nasir said the state’s medical expertise and competitive costs are key attractions for Indonesian tourists seeking screening and treatment services.
He said Melaka’s diverse tourism offerings, including food, culture and heritage, complement its appeal as a health destination.
Easy accessibility via routes like the Melaka-Dumai International Ferry Terminal also makes it a convenient choice for short trips.
“Tourism Malaysia continues to work closely with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council to drive the health tourism industry under the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, particularly for the Indonesian market,” he said.
He added this effort aligns with a government initiative that has allocated RM20 million under Budget 2026 to attract health tourists and generate up to RM3 billion in revenue.
Amirul Ariffin spoke to reporters after a special tourist reception for about 160 visitors from Dumai, Indonesia, at the ferry terminal’s ICQS complex.
He said Tourism Malaysia supports state-level tourism efforts in Melaka, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, which are also running their own visit year programmes.
Over 300 events will be organised nationwide across various tourism segments to attract both domestic and international visitors during VM2026.
Indonesian tourist Dwi Ambar Setyaningsih, 36, said her family chose Melaka for its unique food and destinations like Jonker Walk and the Stadthuys.
Another visitor, Wesly Siagian, 40, said his family was drawn to Malaysia for its peaceful atmosphere and friendly people.
