GEORGE TOWN, July 9 -- Penang now contributes 45 per cent of Malaysia's total medical tourism revenue, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said this reaffirmed the state's position as the country's leading medical tourism destination.

"More than half a million international patients chose Penang last year, generating over RM1.1 billion in medical tourism revenue but all of this revenue goes to the federal government," he said during a visit to the Northern Heart Hospital Penang today.

He said the state government will continue to work closely with the private healthcare sector to strengthen the state's medical ecosystem.

"Our goal goes beyond attracting foreign patients. We want this growth to translate into quality jobs, stronger l...