Construction of a new government health clinic in Kluang, Johor, is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2029, according to state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon. The Type Two clinic, situated near Kem Makhota on the former site of Hospital Kluang, is being built at a cost of RM48 million and is projected to serve approximately 800 patients daily.

As of early September, the project’s construction progress stood at 21.73%, ahead of the scheduled 16.69%, Ling said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this pace to meet the completion target within the next three years.

The new clinic aims to alleviate patient congestion at the existing Mengkibol health clinic, which presently serves as the sole government healthcare facility providing comprehensive services in the Kluang area. The Mengkibol clinic reportedly handles over 1,000 patients daily for medical treatment, check-ups, and follow-ups, resulting in lengthy waiting times exacerbated by manpower shortages at Kluang’s Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom.

Due to these limitations, many patients with non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol have been redirected to the Mengkibol clinic for ongoing care, increasing patient volume and operational strain. To address these challenges, several measures have been implemented, including time-based appointment systems, extended clinic operating hours, and relocating blood test services to an adjacent building.

Ling also noted ongoing discussions with the Health Department regarding further adjustments. These include introducing an electronic queue management system and reallocating certain clinic units to more appropriate locations to improve service delivery and reduce overcrowding.

The state government remains committed to supporting enhancements in public healthcare access and delivery in Kluang. Ling has pledged to monitor the clinic’s development closely to ensure its timely completion and operational readiness, which is expected to benefit the local population by providing improved healthcare facilities and reducing the burden on existing clinics in the area.