Cambodia, Malaysia explore medical tourism
Minister says Malaysia ready to welcome Cambodian medical tourists, pledges to study possibility of setting up hospitals in Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (MNTV) – Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen has proposed that Malaysia establish a health information center in Cambodia to attract Cambodian medical tourists, reports Cambodianess.
Hun Sen said this during a courtesy visit by Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Malaysia’s Minister of Rural and Regional Development, at the Senate Palace this week.
Senate spokesperson Chea Thyrith said Hun Sen believed the initiative would enable Cambodians to explore options for medical treatment in Malaysia.
Hamidi, who also serves as deputy prime minister, affirmed Malaysia’s readiness to welcome Cambodian medical tourists and pledged to study the possibility of setting up Malaysian hospitals in Cambodia.
Hamidi also expressed hope for the growth of the halal food sector in the country and the establishment of a committee to further develop the industry.
In response, Hun Sen noted that the matter had been discussed for a long time and expressed hope that the sector would flourish soon.
Hun Sen acknowledged the importance of enhancing economic, trade, investment and tourism cooperation.
Recognizing the growing trade, Hun Sen called on both sides to increase trade volume and expressed appreciation to Malaysia for buying rice from Cambodia.
He also voiced hope that Malaysia would continue importing more Cambodian agricultural products.
In 2024, Malaysia was the top importer of Cambodian rice, with total imports reaching 70,000 tonnes.
During the visit, Hun Sen also briefed Hamidi on the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, describing it as a continuing concern and a fragile issue that could escalate again.
He mentioned reports of disturbing noises, including “ghostly sounds,” allegedly used by the Thai side to disrupt local residents in disputed border villages for four consecutive nights. Hun Sen reaffirmed that Cambodia seeks to encourage both sides to fully respect ceasefire agreements and find all possible means to restore normalcy.
He said Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s active role as the 2025 ASEAN Chair in helping to resolve the dispute would never be forgotten.
Beyond the Cambodia-Thailand border tensions, Hun Sen also noted Malaysia’s active engagement in addressing regional issues, including in Myanmar and Timor-Leste, which helped to facilitate Timor-Leste’s official accession to ASEAN in the upcoming 46th ASEAN Summit on October 26.
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