Malaysia is one the fastest emerging destinations for medical tourism in Asia, mainly catering for Asian health travelers. Tourism studies found that patients from richer Asian countries like Singapore and Japan, (which are the second and third highest origins of medical travelers respectively), visit Malaysia due to the lower prices of medical procedures. Meanwhile Australians and people from the European Union are attracted to the lower cost of medical procedures in Malaysia, whilst Middle Eastern medical travelers visit Malaysia for both the price and the quality of healthcare provided. It’s common for medical tourists seeking alternative treatments and natural therapies, with the use of complementary medicine widespread. The multicultural make up of Malaysia means that it benefits from Indian, Chinese and Malay influences, with each ethnicity having its own healing traditions. Among the most commonly sought alternative treatments in Malaysia are herbal remedies, which are regularized by the government to ensure their safety; detox treatments; oxygen therapy; acupuncture; and homeopathy.

Besides that the global herbal supplements and remedies market is forecast to reach US$93.15 billion by the year 2015, spurred by increasing incidence of aging population and consumer awareness about general health and well being. There is also an increased demand for herbal and botanical products in multi formula and combo packed format, as well as for chewable capsules and tablets. Women, particularly in the middle-aged bracket, form the major consumer group owing to their growing health-consciousness, increased concern for diet, and enhanced attention towards preventive healthcare.

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