Steven Sim highlights sustainability efforts at Bukit Mertajam Hospital

Bukit Mertajam Hospital has been enhancing its sustainability efforts, according to Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim. The hospital's inclusion among the world's 250 greenest hospitals in Newsweek and Statista's 2026 ranking demonstrated that local facilities can attain international acclaim through dedicated efforts.

As the sole Malaysian hospital in the list, Bukit Mertajam's sustainability journey, spearheaded by director Dr S. Prashant and the hospital staff, showcased that environmental responsibility can coexist with high-quality healthcare. Since 2023, the government has allocated funds to bolster the hospital's development, including RM200,000 for public toilet upgrades, RM50,000 for the eye clinic, and RM5 million for CT scan facilities through a Finance Ministry grant in 2025.

These investments have allowed healthcare professionals to enhance services for the Bukit Mertajam community. The hospital's sustainability journey garnered regional recognition last year when it secured gold in a competition featuring 399 entries from 140 hospitals across 14 Asian countries. The latest recognition is expected to spur further improvements in modernizing the hospital while fortifying environmentally sustainable healthcare practices.

Minister Sim, along with Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi, are collaborating with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to implement further upgrades. This will ensure the hospital continues to meet the healthcare needs of the community while bolstering its international reputation. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Bukit Mertajam Hospital on its global recognition as a Green Hospital, emphasizing the importance of balancing healthcare excellence with environmental responsibility and public wellbeing.