THE first purpose-built township project in Southeast Asia KL Wellness City (KLWC) to cultivate a lifestyle fully integrated with healthcare and wellness, marked its official launch today at the KLWC Gallery in Bukit Jalil.
The ceremony welcomed Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa as its guest of honour to officiate the momentous occasion.
With a gross development value (GDV) of RM11 bil and spanning over 26.49 acres, the development is a world-class medical and wellness community at its core.
The project features a well-rounded ecosystem primed for wellbeing and health the Nobel Healthcare Park, the KL International Hospital (KLIH), innovation laboratories, clinical R&D facilities, healthcare company office towers, a retirement resort, a healthcare hub, wellness-centric serviced apartments, a fitness-based central park and more.
Years prior the pandemic, Malaysia has been fighting hurdles in keeping up infrastructure development with patient load, retaining our medical talents, maintaining continuity of care in preparation for an ageing nation and a continuous war against non-communicable diseases (NCD).
Positioning Malaysia as a hub for medical tourism
KLWC managing director Datuk Dr Colin Lee said that in full support of Malaysia’s national plan to be recognised as one of the best places for medical tourism.
“KLWC is designed to provide and prioritise health and wellbeing as the heart of its development through its vision of a 360-degree wellness hub centred around its township, which encompasses all aspects of medical care, health, wellness, fitness, and business, complete with residential, retail, and commercial offerings.”
In line with the national vision of solidifying Malaysia’s position and track record as the top destination for medical tourism, KLWC will serve as the ultimate one-stop oasis for the body and mind for both domestic and international travellers.
Preparing for an ageing nation
Moreover, Colin added that other than being a cornerstone for healthcare travel, the KLWC project is also an initiative that is built with an ageing nation in mind.
Malaysia, having attained its status as an ageing nation has an ageing population growing at a faster-than-expected rate, where more than 15% of its population will be above the age of 65 by 2050.
In response to this shift in population demographics, Malaysia is currently in pursuit of the WHO’s Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals, which are to provide equitable healthcare and wellness for all.
“KLWC master plan incorporates thousands of facilities and residences. This township is a significant step towards embracing an ageing nation, with facilities for comprehensive healthcare dedicated to wellbeing through elderly care, retirement resorts, as well as independent and assisted living,” noted Colin.
Retaining and cultivating local medical talents
The flagship KL International Hospital (KLIH) approved as a tertiary hospital with 624 beds and scalable to 1,000 beds will be on the same ranks as renowned institutions like Thailand’s Bumrungrad International Hospital as well as Mount Elizabeth Novena in Singapore.
Some of the medical equipment and facilities to be equipped in the KLIH will be among the first in the Southeast Asia region, offering a fully comprehensive and integrated ecosystem of healthcare services, including wellness and fitness facilities across diverse areas, including cardiology, spine health, neuro health, sports medicine, cosmetic surgery and fertility, with R&D laboratories and facilities for clinical studies.
With the support of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) towards the KLIH, the new private hospital will be built within the mixed development of KLWC in Kuala Lumpur with a proposed investment of RM860 mil.
Furthermore, the project is set to be in operation in the first half of 2026 will create over 3,000 job opportunities for medical professionals, including medical specialists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians and others.
Dr Zaliha pointed out that the commitment of KLWC to raising the bar for healthy living and wellbeing resonates with the Health Ministry whole-of-system approach. It aligns perfectly with our national vision and the direction set forth in the 12th Malaysia Plan. – June 3, 2023
Main photo credit: The Edge Markets
