SINGAPORE-based Aptus Surgery and Specialist Centre recently opened a branch in Burmah Road, Penang, which is fast becoming the private healthcare hub in the state.
Aptus joins Adventist Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, Island Hospital and the Northern Heart Hospital as among the major healthcare facilities in Burmah Road.
The new centre is a subsidiary of Singapore-based healthcare group Alfa Medicus and represents its first expansion into Malaysia.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow noted that Penang has grown into a state with strong healthcare foundations, supported by committed professionals, trusted institutions and sustained investment that continues to expand capacity and raise medical standards.
Last year, hospitals under the Penang Medical Tourism ecosystem recorded more than 449,000 foreign patients, an increase of 7.3% compared to 2024, while revenue reached about RM985 million, representing a 9.8% growth.
“These figures demonstrate continued confidence in Penang as a healthcare destination.
“The opening of Aptus in Penang reflects confidence in where the state is heading and adds a valuable option for residents and families seeking care,” Chow said.
He stressed that modern healthcare must go beyond treatment to consider access, convenience, waiting time and the overall experience of patients and their families.
Spanning over 38,000 square feet across five floors, the facility houses specialist consultations, operating theatre support, anaesthesiology, pharmacy services and recovery support under one roof. Its in-house consultant disciplines include general surgery, ENT, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and aesthetic medicine.
The centre also introduces selected cellular therapy services, including Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) and Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells), subject to medical assessment and regulatory requirements.
Founder, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Alfa Medicus, Dr Lim Beng Hai, said Penang was a natural choice for the group’s first destination outside Singapore.
“Penang is an important healthcare centre, and we saw an opportunity to add a wider range of specialist, surgical and imaging services here,” he said.
“Aptus was opened to serve the people of Penang better, while also supporting patients from the northern region and those who come to Penang for medical care.
Present were Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Penang Health Department director Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin, Penang Centre of Medical Tourism (PMED) director Dr Mary Ann Harris, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and Belleview Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Sonny Ho.
Later, Chow visited the Penang Hill ground station to mark greater sustainability with the implementation of the Penang Hill Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project, a solar module programme.
In line with this initiative, solar panels were contributed by First Solar (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and implemented by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC).
Rolled out in phases, the installations across Penang Hill began with Edgecliff Gallery @ Penang Hill in June 2022.
The other areas include the Penang Hill Lower Station and the Penang Hill Station (upper station).
Collectively, these efforts have resulted in the deployment of a total of 600 solar panels across these locations, said Chow.
He emphasised that the transition towards cleaner energy is gaining momentum, with Penang committed to playing an active role in advancing this shift. - March 31, 2026.
