Penang: The completion of the new Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ) building, valued at RM371 million, underscores the MADANI Government's commitment to strengthening the country's public healthcare system, particularly for the residents of Seberang Perai and Penang. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized the importance of HSJ, a Type 2 hospital, which serves as the main hospital for the Seberang Perai Cluster. It covers Bukit Mertajam Hospital (HBM), Kepala Batas Hospital (HKB), and Sungai Bakap Hospital (HSB), functioning as the primary referral center for Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah, and Seberang Perai Selatan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new nine-storey building started operations on May 5 last year. It is equipped with modern facilities, including 316 beds, bringing the total to 729, six operating theatres, seven Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, and a 16-bed Cardiac Rehabilitation Ward dedicated to children's cardiology services.
The new building not only expands treatment space but also supports a more organized and efficient flow of patient services. It provides a safer, more comfortable, and conducive working environment for hospital staff, aligning with ongoing efforts to improve the quality of healthcare delivery. With this upgrade, Seberang Perai residents no longer have to contend with traffic on the bridge to reach Penang Hospital (HPP) for specialist treatment, as this facility brings specialist services closer to the community.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the new building at a ceremony attended by Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Steven Sim and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Dzulkefly noted that the Ministry of Health (MOH) received RM191.8 million in development funds for Penang this year, with allocations for upgrading health facilities, repairing dilapidated clinics, and constructing a wellness hub.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister approved allocations under Rolling Plan 1 of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan for an initial study to construct an additional building at Kepala Batas Hospital. Discussions with the state government are underway to acquire a site next to the hospital for the redevelopment of HSB, with redevelopment plans for HBM also under review.
Dzulkefly stated that MOH and the Public Works Department are committed to expediting approved projects, including the Bandar Tasek Mutiara Health Clinic (Type 3), expected for completion by year-end, and the Mak Mandin Health Clinic (Type 3), which began construction in September 2025 and is slated for completion in September 2028. The design process for the Bayan Lepas Health Clinic (Type 2) has been expedited to allow the tender process to commence immediately.
Under Budget 2026, Anwar approved the construction of the Kubang Semang Health Clinic (Type 2) and the Seberang Perai Tengah Integrated Health Complex at a total cost of RM94.6 million.