KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) has welcomed the RM35m million allocation under the Budget 2021 for the healthcare travel sector.
MHTC Chief Executive Officer Sherene Azli said the allocation for the healthcare travel industry shows that it has been recognised as a priority export service with potential for a strong rebound.
She said MHTC was committed to utilising the budget to boost the healthcare travel industry in an effort to aid in revitalisation of the Malaysian economy and improve the healthcare delivery services via digitalisation.
"On behalf of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), we are immensely humbled to receive the Government's support of RM35 million as announced in the recent Budget 2021.
"In these unprecedented times, we are honoured that the Government has placed their trust in us to optimise the healthcare travel industry for economic revitalisation.
"To date, Malaysia Healthcare has adapted to the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to the firm support rendered by the Prime Minister's Department (Economy), Health Ministry, Finance Ministry, and the National Security Council".
Sherene said Malaysia Healthcare also has the potential to contribute up to RM10 billion to the economy as the industry recovers.
In addition to the financial allocation to the travel healthcare sector, the government will also extend the tax exemption imposed on private healthcare services export until the year 2022.