P Pinang peroleh pelaburan teknologi perubatan RM2.3 bilion

Pulau Pinang is currently home to seven out of the top 30 global medical technology companies, including Abbott, Boston Scientific and B Braun. (Image: Bernama) GEORGE TOWN: Penang state has received a total investment of RM2.3 billion in the medical technology sector from 2021 to the first half of 2026, involving 40 projects and creating nearly 4,500 job opportunities, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow stated that this demonstrates the growing medical technology (MedTech) ecosystem in Penang and its shift towards higher-value production. "Medical technology is no longer just a special sector here. It is at the forefront of the high-value production ecosystem," he told the MedTech Industry Summit Malaysia today. Also present were MDA Executive Director Dr P Muralitharan and Executive Director of Manufacturing Development (Sourcing) Malaysia Investment Development Authority Surayu Susah.

Chow announced that Penang now hosts seven of the top 30 global medical technology companies, namely Abbott, Boston Scientific, B Braun, Smith+Nephew, Steris, Dexcom and Intuitive Surgical. He said the state has also recorded RM238 million in exports of optical instruments, precision, medical and surgical equipment between 2021 and mid-2026, contributing an average of 64% of Malaysia's total exports in that category.

Furthermore, Penang's medical technology industry benefits from synergies between the electrical and electronics (E&E) and medical technology sectors, a result of five decades of expertise in semiconductor and advanced technology. "This proficiency is directly translated into high-precision surgical instruments, implants and high-precision devices," he said.

Chow added that the state government is currently focusing efforts on moving from scale production to higher-value activities, including design, research and development, testing facilities and calibration. Chow explained that Penang now targets to double the number of local medical technology companies that produce MDA-certified devices from the current 20 to 40.

As of now, more than 20 local medical technology companies produce MDA-certified devices, ranging from orthopedic implants and surgical equipment to wound care, prosthetics, infection control products, and specialty disposal products for healthcare. Additionally, Chow said the state government will collaborate with industry players and academics to create the skilled engineers, technicians and quality experts needed to support the sector's growth.

"Penang's experience in developing its semiconductor industry has provided a solid foundation for the next phase of medical technology development. Thus, high-precision medical technology represents the next chapter in this story, contributing to human health."