Latest news with #Gooi


The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Medical tours may see a dip
Vulnerable position: Penang's medical tourism sector faces challenges due to new 6% service tax on foreign patients and weakening Indonesian rupiah. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Penang's healthcare travel may face challenges with the 6% service tax on foreign patients and the weakening Indonesian rupiah. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said with over 90% of Penang's healthcare travellers coming from Indonesia, the impact could be significant. 'Given the depreciation of the Indonesian currency, many may begin to feel the pinch. 'Combined with the 6% service tax effective July 1, this can impact the number of foreign patients seeking private healthcare here.' On July 1, the Federal Government expanded the coverage of the sales and service tax. This 6% medical service tax applies only to foreigners seeking private healthcare here. In November last year, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) reported that Malaysia saw 584,468 healthcare travellers arriving in the first six months of 2024. In the council's June 17 report this year: 'Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry – 2024 Performance Highlights', it noted that Penang hit a record by generating over RM1bil in healthcare travel revenue, adding to the national healthcare travel revenue of RM2.72bil. The council also said that Indonesians remain the largest group of healthcare travellers to Malaysia. Despite the expected slowdown, Gooi said Malaysia, particularly Penang, remains a key player in cross-border private healthcare. 'Malaysia offers world-class healthcare at affordable prices. Penang continues to attract foreign patients, especially from Indonesia, due to its high standards and close proximity.' The exchange rate on Thursday was RM1 to 3,844.67 Indonesian rupiah compared RM1 to 3,448.28 rupiah during the same period last year. Gooi added that affordability remains a major draw. He saw potential for growth with more direct international flights, particularly from China. 'More work needs to be done to promote private healthcare in Penang. 'We will collaborate closely with our private healthcare professionals to find new ways to attract more international patients. 'While it is still early to assess the impact, since the tax was only recently imposed, we will monitor the situation closely,' he said Gooi also said that during a recent meeting with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and state health excos, he proposed that the Federal Government consider remitting a portion of the 6% service tax to the states generating the revenue. 'I urged the ministry to consider channelling funds to states like Penang, which have worked hard to build up their healthcare travel sector. 'Almost half of the country's foreign healthcare travel revenue comes from Penang.' Gooi added that the funds could be used to improve Penang's public healthcare facilities and infrastructure, which contribute to the convenience of healthcare travellers from abroad. 'It will help keep us as a regional leader if the tax revenue is channelled back to us in some way,' he said.


The Sun
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang mulls vape ban, holds talks with industry groups
BUTTERWORTH: The Penang government will continue holding engagement sessions with stakeholders on the vape industry before considering implementing a ban on it in the state. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the engagement sessions aim to gather views and suggestions from all parties on the matter. 'Last Thursday, I met with representatives from the Vape Entrepreneurs Group Association, and we listened to the various issues they raised concerning the industry, particularly regarding Act 852 – the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. 'They also expressed concerns about the impact of the act's implementation on the industry, and based on the feedback received, Act 852 can be considered one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in the country compared to other industries,' he told reporters after attending an Engagement Programme with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (Pemadam), here today. Gooi said the state government is also prepared to consider a ban on vape sales if the enforcement of Act 852, which takes effect on Oct 1, does not yield the desired positive outcomes. He said that a regulatory mechanism for the supply of electronic cigarettes has been introduced through the act, and the strategy to reduce its usage in Penang must be implemented in a comprehensive and planned manner. Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that state governments have the legal space to implement a ban on the sale of vape products in their respective states.


The Sun
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang to continue engagements on vape industry
BUTTERWORTH: The Penang government will continue holding engagement sessions with stakeholders on the vape industry before considering implementing a ban on it in the state. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the engagement sessions aim to gather views and suggestions from all parties on the matter. 'Last Thursday, I met with representatives from the Vape Entrepreneurs Group Association, and we listened to the various issues they raised concerning the industry, particularly regarding Act 852 – the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. 'They also expressed concerns about the impact of the act's implementation on the industry, and based on the feedback received, Act 852 can be considered one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in the country compared to other industries,' he told reporters after attending an Engagement Programme with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (Pemadam), here today. Gooi said the state government is also prepared to consider a ban on vape sales if the enforcement of Act 852, which takes effect on Oct 1, does not yield the desired positive outcomes. He said that a regulatory mechanism for the supply of electronic cigarettes has been introduced through the act, and the strategy to reduce its usage in Penang must be implemented in a comprehensive and planned manner. Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that state governments have the legal space to implement a ban on the sale of vape products in their respective states.

The Star
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Public healthcare network making good progress
THREE key expansion projects of Penang Hospital with a combined value of RM758mil, are currently progressing at various stages. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the first project, the Women and Children's Block, had reach 34.35% completion as of May 22. 'The first project worth RM307mil is scheduled for completion in January 2026,' he said in a press conference after a site visit at Jalan Residensi. Gooi said the project was being implemented under a design-and-build tender system and included the construction of a 12-storey parking complex and an 8-storey hospital building with a 329-bed capacity alongside various specialised healthcare services. The parking complex, he added, would be able to accommodate 449 cars at one time. Gooi said the second project, the new Stem Cell Services Centre Block, valued at RM23mil, was expected to be completed by March 2027. 'Additional infrastructure includes 25 parking bays, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room) and utility upgrades. 'This project is 10.19% completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027,' he said The Women and Children Block is 34.35% completed as of May 22. It is expected to be ready by January next year. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star The project, he elaborated, was being carried out using the conventional method under the supervision of the Public Works Department (JKR). He said the facility would enhance transplant-related services, including apheresis units, stem cell laboratories and other support facilities. 'The third project, the Specialist Clinic and Ward Block, with a budget of RM428mil, is projected to be completed by May 2029. 'The project is being developed through a conventional approach under JKR, where the 14-storey block will house specialist outpatient clinics and wards with a capacity of 216 beds,' he said. He added that the project currently stood at 3.33% progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029. Gooi said these expansion projects, when ready, would mark a significant enhancement to the state's healthcare system and facilities. The projects represented strategic investments by the Federal Government to upgrade public healthcare infrastructure in the state under the 10th and 11th Malaysia plans, he said. 'We are grateful to the Federal Government for approving these allocations. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare services for the people of Penang.' Gooi said the developments would not only strengthen Penang's healthcare system but also significantly improve the quality of medical services for its residents. He said the state government, through his office, remained committed to enhancing the public healthcare network, closing the gap in treatment accessibility and ensuring quality, equitable and comprehensive services for all. Gooi added that these initiatives aligned with the Penang2030 vision and the Malaysia Madani framework, which prioritised values of well-being, justice and compassion in the delivery of public services. Penang Hospital is one of the oldest public hospitals in Malaysia, with a history dating back to the colonial era. Located in George Town, it is the largest government hospital in the northern region and is a tertiary referral centre for Penang, Kedah, Perlis and northern Perak. It was established in the 19th century during British rule to serve the growing population in Penang, which was then an important trading hub. Post-independence, the hospital underwent several modernisation projects, with the addition of new medical departments, specialist units, and upgraded facilities. Over the decades, it expanded to provide specialist medical care, catering to the increasing healthcare demands. The hospital also played a crucial role in handling major health crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic where it served as a key treatment centre.


New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Three major health projects underway at Penang Hospital
GEORGE TOWN: Three health projects are ongoing at Penang Hospital here, backed by a federal allocation of RM758 million under the Malaysia Plan. State Youth, Sport and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said these projects represented a critical upgrade to the state's healthcare infrastructure. The three projects are the RM307 million women and children's block, the RM23 million stem cell services block and the RM428 million specialist clinic and ward block. Gooi said the women and children's block involved demolishing the existing block and constructing an eight-storey hospital building with 329 beds and a 12-storey car park with 449 parking bays. "It includes major services such as outpatient and inpatient care, diagnostic and treatment units, medical support services, administrative offices, and public amenities including a cafeteria, surau and playground. "This block will consolidate all women and children's services, reducing congestion and eliminating the need for patients to access the main hospital block. "The project is currently 34.35 per cent completed as of May 22, and is targeted for completion by January 2026," he said during a visit to the women and children's block construction site here today. Gooi said the stem cell services block was aimed at upgrading stem cell transplant services, including allogeneic bone marrow transplant facilities, apheresis units and stem cell labs. He said additional infrastructure included 25 parking lots, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room), and utility upgrades. "This project is 10.19 per cent completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027. "As for the specialist clinic and ward block, this 14-storey building will house specialist clinics (levels 1–11) and wards (levels 12–14) with 216 beds, along with parking on levels 2–7 and mechanical facilities in the basement. "The project currently stands at 3.33 per cent progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029," he added. Gooi said that despite earlier delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and handover constraints, construction had picked up pace, particularly following the piling phase. He said the implementation of the Industrialised Building System was expected to accelerate progress. "These upgrades will enhance public healthcare access, reduce overcrowding and resolve long-standing parking issues at the hospital. "These developments reflect the government's commitment to a more equitable, high-quality healthcare system," he said. Gooi said they would continue to strengthen public health infrastructure to ensure no one is left behind.