Malaysia began raising its fees of public hospitals for foreigners from April 8, according to the Ministry of Health.

illustrative image (Source: AFP)

In its recent directive, the ministry said ward and surgery rates are raised from between 130 and 230%.

The new rates apply to both children and adults, except for foreigners holding permanent resident status. Those married to locals are also exempted.

The Malaysian Government first introduced separate rates for foreigners in January 2015 after it was revealed that they took up between 30% and 40% of the subsidy in medical treatment for Malaysians.

It also decided that subsidy for foreigners would be gradually cut.

(Source: VNA)