Melaka Straits Medical Centre Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Oriental Holdings Berhad, has signed a joint venture with Ideal Hasrat Bumiraya Sdn Bhd, part of Ideal Property Group, to develop a proposed tertiary medical centre at Queens Waterfront in Penang.
The agreement, signed on May 28, 2026, will see Star Hill City Sdn Bhd undertake the proposed project, to be known as Ideal Oriental Medical Centre.
Planned on a 1.9‑acre parcel within the Queens Waterfront masterplan, the multidisciplinary facility will be Oriental Holdings’ second hospital and is designed to serve local and international patients. The centre will focus on high‑demand subspecialties and tertiary services with completion expected by the end of 2030.
Once operational, the hospital will serve surrounding communities including Gelugor, Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas, as well as workers in the nearby industrial corridor. It also positions itself as support towards Penang’s growing medical tourism sector by catering to international patients seeking advanced specialist care.
The development is designed around a digitally enabled hospital model, incorporating advanced medical technologies, robotic-assisted systems and integrated digital infrastructure. The aim is to improve clinical efficiency while enhancing the overall patient experience.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the project will generate wider economic benefits for Penang. It is projected to create around 1,000 high-skilled jobs across healthcare, nursing, allied health, hospitality, digital health and support services once fully operational. It also aims to attract Malaysian healthcare professionals working overseas to return and join the local workforce.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Oriental Holdings Berhad executive chairman Dato’ Sri Loh Kian Chong said the healthcare segment is guided by a long-term vision to improve access to advanced medical care while supporting more integrated urban living.
He described the collaboration as “more than a hospital development”, highlighting its focus on medical excellence, innovation, accessibility and community wellbeing.
Ideal Property Group director Puan Sri Datuk Joanne Phor said the partnership marks a key milestone for the group’s expansion into healthcare. She added that the addition of the medical centre strengthens Queens Waterfront’s positioning as a mixed-use destination combining residential, commercial, lifestyle and wellness components.
The Ideal Oriental Medical Centre is expected to reinforce Penang’s position as a regional healthcare hub, while supporting the state’s long-term goals in medical tourism, healthcare excellence and sustainable urban growth.
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