Sabah is set to establish its own world-class heart hospital in Likas following a strategic partnership between Yayasan Sabah Group and IJN Sdn Bhd.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the facility will be developed on a four-hectare site gazetted specifically for the project, marking a significant step toward expanding cardiac care services in the state.
The collaboration, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, aims to enhance access to specialised heart treatment and reduce reliance on facilities outside Sabah.
“This effort is expected to become a reality and further empower access to cardiac healthcare services in Sabah,” Hajiji said after witnessing the signing ceremony.
The agreement brings together Yayasan Sabah Group and IJN, with both parties also committing to broader healthcare development, including training and education.
IJN chairman Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the initiative reflects a shift away from a centralised healthcare model, emphasising the need to expand high-quality treatment access nationwide.
“What we aim to build is not merely a treatment facility, but an integrated health ecosystem encompassing clinical treatment, professional training, research and the development of local expertise,” he said.
He added that IJN will contribute its expertise in clinical care, technology and hospital management to ensure the new facility meets high standards and prioritises patient safety.
The project is also expected to complement existing cardiac services in Sabah, including the Sabah Heart Centre at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, which faces capacity constraints.
Once completed, the IJN hospital will allow patients to receive specialised treatment within the state, reducing travel costs and improving timely access to care while strengthening Sabah’s overall healthcare ecosystem.
