MELAKA WAS PRACTISING MEDICAL TOURISM SINCE 19TH. CENTURY

Do you know that Melaka was already practising medical tourism since 19th. Century?

Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore in 1819, had to seek refuge in Melaka to recuperate in early 1800s. He and his wife stayed in a big house located somewhere at Banda Hilir.

Compared to the malarial backwater of Tumasek then, Malacca, which has already been occupied since 14th. Century, must certainly be "developed" to a certain extent.

Old records showed us that the weather in Malacca was mild and less humid, thus conducive for people who want to stay here to recuperate from their illnesses. It was during his stay in Malacca while recovering from his illness that Sir Stamford Raffles witnessed the blatant destruction of Malacca by the British. Munshi Abdullah also recorded this eventful event as well in his "Hikayat Abdullah".

So, medical tourism for Melaka is not new to us Malaccans.

Melaka has been a destination of choice for seeking medical assistance and we should capitalise on it. More and more Indonesians are coming over to Melaka for their medical care. Compared to the more expensive medical care in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, the proximity of Melaka to Sumatra and the Riau archipelago, Melaka is the best choice.

The recent completed airport terminal and extended runway of our Melaka International Airport at Batu Berendam will certainly help to bring over more medical tourists and their family members.

Ferry services from Dumai can do their part in this matter.

We believe a number of companies have also seen the benefit of Melaka being a destination for medical tourism. To date, some companies will be building medical facilities and condominiums for those seeking medical help in Malacca.