KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10-The cost of treatment in private hospitals in Malaysia is still considered competitive compared to neighboring countries.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim explained that this was proven through the admission of up to 50 percent of foreign patients in several hospitals, including in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Penang.

Anwar also admitted that there was an increase in costs caused by the purchase of medicines, specialist tools, as well as the increase in wage rates.

"Some hospitals, for example, can attract up to 50 percent of patients from abroad, this is because our costs are considered low.

"So a slight increase in premium I think is reasonable, but how can Bank Negara Malaysia control it so that it does not burden consumers and cause inflation," he said when answering additional questions from Kuala Langat Member of Parliament, Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi in the Dewan Rakyat here.