PENANG marked another milestone in its growing healthcare landscape with the official opening of the Aptus Surgery and Specialists Centre at Jalan Burma today, a development that further reinforces the state’s reputation as a regional medical hub.
The new centre is a subsidiary of Singapore-based healthcare group Alfa Medicus and represents the group’s first expansion into Malaysia.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow noted that Penang has grown into a state with strong healthcare foundations, supported by committed professionals, trusted institutions and sustained investment that continues to expand capacity and raise standards.
“The opening of Aptus in Penang reflects confidence in where the state is heading and adds a valuable option for residents and families seeking care,” Chow said in his speech.
He stressed that modern healthcare must go beyond treatment to consider access, convenience, waiting time and the overall experience of patients and their families.
“What stands out about this centre is its integrated approach, bringing together specialist consultations, day surgery services, diagnostic imaging and health screening in one location.
“This reduces the need for patients to move between multiple facilities, shortens waiting time and supports a smoother journey from diagnosis to recovery,” he added.
Same-day procedures, he noted, would also help patients return to their routines sooner while allowing families to plan better.
Spanning over 38,000 square feet across five floors, the facility houses specialist consultations, operating theatre support, anaesthesiology, pharmacy services and recovery support under one roof. Its in-house consultant disciplines include general surgery, ENT, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and aesthetic medicine.
The centre also introduces selected cellular therapy services, including Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) and Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells), subject to medical assessment and regulatory requirements.
Founder, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Alfa Medicus, Dr Lim Beng Hai, said Penang was a natural choice for the group’s first destination outside Singapore.
“Penang is an important healthcare centre, and we saw an opportunity to add a wider range of specialist, surgical and imaging services here,” he said.
“Aptus was opened to serve the people of Penang better, while also supporting patients from the northern region and those who come to Penang for medical care.
“Our aim is to give patients more access to specialist-led care, imaging, screening and suitable day procedures in one centre. We hope this gives patients another strong option in Penang,” he added.
Backed by an investment of close to RM40 million for equipment, staffing and operational costs, the centre currently employs about 40 staff and operates with an estimated monthly expenditure of RM350,000. The building was constructed by a United Kingdom-based contractor.
Chow also highlighted that Penang’s healthcare progress depends on collaboration between the public sector, private providers and the community, noting that investments in people, training and clinical capability are key to sustaining quality over time.
He also pointed to Penang’s continued strength in medical tourism. In 2025, hospitals under the Penang Medical Tourism ecosystem recorded more than 449,000 foreign patients, an increase of 7.3% compared to 2024, while revenue reached approximately RM985 million, representing a 9.8% year-on-year growth.
“These figures demonstrate continued confidence in Penang as a healthcare destination.
“Developments like this strengthen that position by expanding capacity, improving patient experience and reinforcing trust among patients, insurers and corporate partners,” he said.
The new centre is expected to serve patients from Penang and the wider northern region seeking specialist consultations, scans, screening and suitable same-day procedures, in line with the Penang2030 vision of building a family-focused, green and smart state where quality of life remains central.
Also present earlier were Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Penang state Health Department director Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin, Penang Centre of Medical Tourism (PMED) director Dr Mary Ann Harris, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and Belleview Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Sonny Ho.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siew Chia En