JOHOR BAHRU – His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah officiated the launch of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre in Larkin on 5 December, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s healthcare landscape.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Johor royal family, including Tunku Mahkota Ismail, Regent of Johor and the Crown Prince, and Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda.
Also, present were Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, and Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, representing the younger generation of Johor royalty.
The RM500 million facility will be operated by Singapore-based healthcare provider Precious Hospitals Sdn Bhd. Designed to strengthen oncology services, the centre aims to enhance collaboration between Malaysia’s public and private health systems.
When fully completed, the centre will house 200 beds and feature advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Among its highlights is the installation of PET-CT and nuclear medicine facilities, including Malaysia’s first cyclotron outside the Klang Valley.
This innovation will allow on-site production of medical radioisotopes, reducing reliance on external supply chains and enabling faster cancer imaging and therapy.
Officials noted that the centre’s capabilities will improve early detection, broaden access to treatment, and reduce waiting times for patients. The project is expected to position Johor as a regional hub for advanced cancer care.
The hospital has been named in honour of the late Tunku Abdul Jalil Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Laksamana Johor, who passed away on 5 December 2015 due to liver cancer.
His courage and perseverance during his illness inspired the establishment of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation, which continues to provide assistance to cancer patients across Malaysia.
The launch ceremony not only commemorated his legacy but also underscored the royal family’s commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure in Johor.
The centre is anticipated to become a beacon of hope for patients and families confronting cancer, while reinforcing Malaysia’s broader efforts to modernise its medical services.
