Materia Medica Malaysiana

Herbal way to promote health tourism

MALACCA: Malaysia wants to promote health tourism using traditional herbs, said Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohamad Taha Arif.

“We are exploring ways to introduce herbal baths and traditional massage to Western tourists,” he said.

“Health tourism is not only confined to seeking Western medical treatment but it is also for a healthy person who wants to try out traditional methods,” he said.

Thailand had been successful in wooing Western tourists through its traditional massage, spa and diet, he said after opening the 16th Malaysia-Thailand Goodwill Committee meeting at the Golden Legacy Hotel here yesterday.

Also present was Inspector-General in the Thai Public Health Ministry, M.L. Somchai Chakrabhand.

Dr Mohamad Taha said the ministry would look for ways to promote health tourism, particularly in Kelantan, which shares borders with Thailand.

“We will look at safety practices and register those who are involved and conduct research,” he said.