Sim, who is also human resources minister, said the hospital is overcrowded, which affects both patients and visitors, due to the shortage of parking bays, Bernama reported.

He said a detailed study of the design is being conducted by the health ministry, which is also reviewing the costs and development plans.

The upgrade would include doubling the number of beds in the hospital, from its current 242 beds, Sim said after opening the accessible and community facilities at the hospital today.

“The state government has agreed to provide an eight-acre (3.2 hectare) plot at BM Rest House, opposite the hospital, should it be deemed suitable for the upgrade,” said Sim.

He said he would meet health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad next week to discuss the matter and request that the planning and design process be expedited.