KPJ Healthcare profit rises 22% in Q1 amidst system shift

The group's revenue increased 9% to $265.8m.

KPJ Healthcare Berhad’s profit attributable to owners of the parent jumped 22% year on year to $17.6m (RM69.6m) in the first quarter ended 31 March 2026, due to higher revenue intensity, cost control, and early effects of integration under KPJ Health System (KPJHS).

The group said in a financial report that revenue also rose 9% to $265.8m (RM1.05b), whilst its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation increased 11% to $59.1m (RM233.3m), with a margin of 22.2%.

Average revenue per inpatient rose 6%, whilst average outpatient revenue increased 7%.

Inpatient admissions rose 2% to 88,863, outpatient visits increased 1% to 695,332, and surgeries gained 2% to 27,565.

Bed occupancy rate stood at 60%, affected by additional capacity during the quarter.

KPJ declared an interim dividend of $0.0025 (1 sen) per share, or $11.2m (RM44.3m), payable on 17 July 2026.

The group continued its five-year Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which focuses on integration across hospitals and services through KPJHS and the KPJ Care Network.

For the second quarter, KPJ said it continues to implement its KPJHS strategy across clinical operations, governance, digital systems, academic partnerships, and workforce structure.

KPJ said it will continue to monitor geopolitical developments and assess operational impact.

It cited Bank Negara Malaysia’s gross domestic product projection of 4% to 5% in 2026 and the Ministry of Health’s delayed implementation of the Diagnosis Related Group payment system for private hospitals to 2027.

(US$1 = RM3.95)