TDM’s healthcare business in focus

THE disposal of Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Sdn Bhd (RSDH) to Columbia Asia Healthcare Sdn Bhd for RM5.7 billion cash late last year has set a new benchmark for the valuation of private hospital operators in Malaysia while generating investor interest in similar players, including TDM Bhd.

Majority owned by the Terengganu government, the plantation and healthcare group has seen its share price rally by close to 40% year to date to last Thursday’s close of 25.5 sen a share, valuing the group at RM439.3 million.

In the past, there was talk of a spin-off of the healthcare business held under wholly-owned KMI Healthcare Sdn Bhd. Is the plan back on the table?

“There is an option for KMI Healthcare to stay private or to go for listing. However, as a matter of policy, we do not comment on speculative matters or ongoing discussions.

“Our focus remains on exploring various strategic options to support our growth and create value for our stakeholders. Currently, we have nothing specific to announce, and our focus remains on our core business operations,” KMI Healthcare CEO Dr Rayney Azmi Ali tells The Edge.

KMI Healthcare operates five hospitals in Taman Desa and Kelana Jaya in the Klang Valley, and Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu on the peninsula’s east coast, as well as Tawau in Sabah.