Pouring the gold paint into the KLWC name are (from left) Norhaslina, Tiew, Dr Zaliha, Dr Lee, Wan Zamri, Lim and Chua.
KUALA LUMPUR: KL Wellness City (KLWC), the first purpose-built township project in Southeast Asia to cultivate a lifestyle fully integrated with healthcare and wellness, will become a major player to invigorate the health industry.
With a gross development value (GDV) of RM11bil and spanning over 26.49 acres, the project features a well-rounded ecosystem primed for well-being and health – The Nobel Healthcare Park, the KL International Hospital (KLIH), innovation laboratories, clinical R&D facilities, healthcare company office towers, a retirement resort, a Healthcare Hub, wellness-centric serviced apartments and a fitness-based Central Park.
The take-up rate has been very encouraging, said KL Wellness City managing director Datuk Dr Colin Lee, pointing out that phase 1 of the medical suites was over 75% sold and the wellness-centric serviced apartments were oversubscribed by 70%.
Gracing its official launch on June 1 at the KL Wellness City Gallery in Bukit Jalil by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the development aims to be a world-class medical and wellness project.
“In full support of Malaysia’s national plan to be recognised as one of the best places for medical tourism, KL Wellness City is designed to provide and prioritise health and wellbeing as the heart of its development, through its vision of a 360-degree wellness hub centred around its township which encompasses all aspects of medical care, health, wellness, fitness, and business, complete with residential, retail, and commercial offerings,” said Lee.
In line with the national vision of solidifying Malaysia’s position and track record as the top destination for medical tourism in mind, KL Wellness City will serve as the ultimate one-stop oasis for the body and mind for both domestic and international travellers.
Preparing for an ageing nation
Other than being a cornerstone for healthcare travel, according to Lee, the KLWC project is also an initiative that is built with an ageing nation in mind. Malaysia, having attained its status as an ageing nation, has an ageing population growing at a faster-than-expected rate where more than 15% of its population will be above the age of 65 by 2050.
In response to this shift in population demographics, Malaysia is currently in pursuit of WHO's Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals, that is to provide equitable healthcare and wellness for all.
“The KL Wellness City master plan incorporates thousands of facilities and residences. This township is a significant step towards embracing an ageing nation, with facilities for comprehensive healthcare dedicated to wellbeing through elderly care, retirement resorts, as well as independent and assisted living.” Lee added.
The flagship KL International Hospital (KLIH), approved as a tertiary hospital with 624 beds and scalable to a 1,000-bed capacity, will be on the same ranks as renowned institutions like Thailand's Bumrungrad International Hospital, as well as Mount Elizabeth Novena, Singapore, he added.
Some of the medical equipment and facilities to be equipped in the KL International Hospital will be amongst the first in the Southeast Asia region, offering a fully comprehensive and integrated ecosystem of healthcare services including wellness and fitness facilities across diverse areas, including cardiology, spine health, neuro health, sports medicine, cosmetic surgery, and fertility, with R&D laboratories and facilities for clinical studies.
With the support of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) towards the KLIH, the new private hospital will be built within the mixed development of KL Wellness City in Kuala Lumpur with a proposed investment of RM860 million.
The project, set to be in operation in the first half of 2026, will create over 3,000 job opportunities for medical professionals, including medical specialists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, and others.
“The commitment of KLWC to raising the bar for healthy living and wellbeing resonates with the Ministry of Health's whole-of-system approach. It aligns perfectly with our national vision and the direction set forth in the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“Undoubtedly, I have faith that KLIH will attract multidisciplinary leading specialists to practise in a single hospital location, shortening turnaround time for both local and foreign patients, and optimising patient care and experience.
“We foresee KLIH filling in that gap for Malaysians, and we stand in support of KLWC resonating with their purpose. The Ministry applauds the efforts of the tertiary hospital to maintain our leading position in this region and globally. We will continue to endorse KL International Hospital’s commitment,” said Dr Zaliha.
Also present at the launch were MIDA deputy chief executive officer Lim Bee Vian, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council facilitation vice president Norhaslina Othman and KLWC branding, sales and marketing executive director Datuk Seri Vincent Tiew, project development director Wan Zamri Wan Hassan and retail, consumerism and construction non-executive director Datuk Seri Garry Chua.
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