Traditional Malay Massage Now Available At Hospital Pekan

PEKAN, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Hospital Pekan has made history as the first Ministry of Health (MOH) facility in Pahang to offer traditional Malay massage to the public through its Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) service.

Pahang Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim said the introduction of the service shows the state government’s commitment, together with the MOH, to a more holistic and patient-centred approach to healthcare.

“Traditional Malay massage is part of our heritage, and it is now being integrated into mainstream healthcare in a safe and scientifically guided manner,” he told a press conference after officiating the service at Hospital Pekan today. Also present was State Health Department director Dr Saiful Azlan Sharif.

Razali said the service is provided by certified and trained traditional medicine practitioners and is closely monitored in accordance with MOH standards to ensure safety and quality of care.

“The traditional massage service is offered as supportive therapy for patients with chronic pain, including back pain and musculoskeletal conditions.

“In addition, the treatment is also used for post-stroke rehabilitation to help improve mobility and reduce muscle stiffness among stable patients,” he added.

Razali said Hospital Pekan was selected as the pioneer for the TCM service in Pahang due to its readiness, expertise, and strong clinical support that meet safety and effectiveness standards.

The service operates at the Level Two lobby from Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 5 pm, except on public holidays. Each session costs RM20.

Up to six patients can receive treatment daily, and patients must first be referred by a medical officer or specialist to access the service.

Meanwhile, commenting on coastal erosion in Pahang, Razali said the state government has applied for federal funding to address shoreline erosion and river mouth deepening along coastal areas bordering Terengganu and Johor.

He said the estimated cost to address coastal erosion across Pahang exceeds RM1 billion. The state will also review erosion data from 1985 to 2025 to determine the actual extent of land loss over the past 40 years.

Razali added that landowners whose land has been lost to the sea due to erosion are still considered legal owners unless they surrender their land titles to the government, and they remain responsible for paying quit rent.

-- BERNAMA