KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Low cost carriers and the aviation industry in Malaysia will be the first major beneficiary of the government`s move to promote health tourism in the country, following its public announcement during reading of the country`s 2006 budget.

To boost health tourism a health tourism unit will be set up to attract foreigners to seek private health care in Malaysia. said prime minister Abdullah Badawi.

Cheaper on Malaysia`s low cost carrier AirAsia, and its extensive route network in the region patients will now find it more affordable and convenient to travel for treatment in Malaysia added Kamaruddin Meranum, executive director of the airline.

The government also announced a stamp duty exemption of 50 percent to help to reduce cost of financing small and medium scale enterprises (SME) associated with the health tourism industry, in addition to offering venture capital funds of RM 1 billion for financing SMEs.