KUCHING, Feb. 27 -- The upcoming opening of three new private hospitals here is set to strengthen Sarawak's position as a key destination for medical tourism, said State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He noted that the expansion of private healthcare facilities reflects the increasing demand for medical services in the state, particularly among international patients.

"I am very happy to see that despite Sarawak's relatively small population-Kuching itself has less than one million people, including its suburbs like Kota Samarahan-we currently have five private hospitals.

"When international patients seek treatment, they prefer private hospitals over government faciliti...