KUALA LUMPUR: KPJ Healthcare Bhd

remains cautiously optimistic about its outlook for the 2025 financial year, supported by sustained patient demand.

The healthcare said it continues to focus on improving operational efficiency through asset optimisation, capacity expansion and disciplined cost management.

For the second quarter ended June 30, KPJ Healthcare Bhd’s net profit rose to RM82mil from RM75.9mil a year earlier, translating into earnings per share of 1.88 sen versus 1.74 sen.

The stronger profit was driven by revenue growth and prudent cost management, with PATAMI margin maintained at a healthy 8%.

Quarterly revenue climbed to RM1.02bil from RM924.8mil, supported by higher patient numbers, greater surgical volume and improved average revenue per inpatient case, reflecting increased clinical complexity and a stronger case mix.

For the quarter, inpatient admissions grew 2% to 92,665, while outpatient visits increased 4% to 703,802. Bed occupancy rate stood at 62%.

KPJ declared an interim dividend of 1.05 sen per share, amounting to RM45.8mil, payable on Oct 10.

For the first half, however, net profit slipped 5.5% to RM139.1mil from RM147.3mil, while revenue rose 9% to nearly RM2bil compared with RM1.83bil previously.

“We are pleased to share that KPJ Healthcare achieved commendable results for second quarter revenue, made possible by the trust and support of our patients, physicians, partners and people - for which I am deeply grateful,” president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said in a statement.

He said the group’s transformation plan and portfolio restructuring, which began in 2023, had led to a successful exit from Bangladesh while reinforcing Malaysia as its core focus and key growth driver.

“The Ministry of Health’s recent decision to defer diagnosis-related group (DRG) implementation to 2027 provides clarity for stakeholders and allows time to strengthen system readiness in a more sustainable manner,” Chin said.

“Under the KPJ Health System, we are strengthening subspecialty services, expanding our digital capabilities and laying the foundation for future Centres of Excellence. This is not just about growth - it is about raising the quality of our “Care for Life” services so that our patients and communities can trust us today and into the future.

“Our focus is simple, to deliver care that is accessible, sustainable and truly centred on the people we serve as we continue to heal, teach and discover for all.”