PUTRAJAYA: Asean 2025 will provide the best platform to ensure the successful implementation of the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026 campaign, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
As the Asean 2025 chairman, Malaysia will have the opportunity to showcase its harmony, cultural diversity and culinary offerings to Asean member countries, he said.
“Asean 2025 provides us the opportunity to highlight Malaysia’s harmony, destinations and diverse cuisine so that the Asean community can help promote Malaysia in their respective countries,” he said at a recent press conference.
On Oct 11, Malaysia officially assumed the Asean chairmanship for 2025, taking over from Laos. The theme for Asean 2025 is “Inclusion and Sustainability”.
Tiong said his ministry is actively preparing to boost promotion of VMY 2026, including upgrading infrastructure nationwide to improve the overall experience for visitors.
“Wherever we can assist in upgrading infrastructure, we will certainly do so. The most important thing is for all states to collaborate in improving infrastructure.
“We are also in discussions with the Economy Ministry regarding additional allocation to support these upgrades nationwide,” he said, according to Bernama.
Malaysia aims to generate over RM147bil in revenue from an anticipated 35.6 million tourist arrivals during VMY 2026.
According to Tiong, Malaysia recorded 34.2 million arrivals, comprising 22.5 million tourists and 11.7 million visitors, between January and November this year.
When asked how Malaysia compares with neighbouring countries like Thailand and Indonesia in terms of tourist appeal, he emphasised the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders, including local authorities, to upgrade tourist locations to make them more attractive.
“In Thailand, particularly Bangkok, they demonstrate a tourist-friendly environment where visitors feel welcome and safe.
Thailand is also proactive in upgrading its offerings such as creating vibrant food streets and illuminating the streets to attract tourists,” he said.
Thus, Tiong said efforts to renovate locations in Malaysia need to be stepped up with the involvement of all parties to make VMY 2026 a success.
He cited Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, where several new shops have opened, as an example of the kind of transformation needed.
On a different note, Tiong said political and racial issues should not be intertwined with the government’s efforts to promote the tourism industry.
The ministry, he said, is working diligently to attract tourists from all countries. But these efforts are being criticised, with some accusing the government of prioritising Chinese tourists.
“I urge everyone to work together (to stimulate economic growth). Malaysia is not alone in seeking Chinese tourists. Saudi Arabia is also actively promoting itself to them because it recognises that China is one of the largest markets with significant spending power.
“What is important for us is to develop the economy. If we allow everything to be tied to politics and racism, we will fail to achieve the goals of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Asean 2025,” he said.
