GEORGE TOWN, Penang – The Penang State Government has clarified that the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) Domestic Tourism Survey 2025 should not be viewed as a definitive measure of the state’s tourism performance, stressing that the survey is based on statistical sampling rather than actual visitor arrivals or hotel accommodation records. State Tourism and…
GEORGE TOWN, 8 July 2026 – Penang has once again reinforced its position as Malaysia’s leading medical tourism destination, contributing approximately 45% of the nation’s total medical tourism revenue while playing a pivotal role in Malaysia’s rise as one of the world’s top healthcare travel destinations. Malaysia was recently ranked the world’s sixth-best medical tourism…
PENANG, 1 July 2026 – Penang has once again demonstrated its standing as one of Asia’s premier tourism and business events destinations after securing 12 prestigious awards at the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025-26. The awards, presented during a ceremony held on 14 May at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, recognised outstanding…
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s tourism industry has appealed to the Federal Government to recognise tourism transportation as an essential sector eligible for diesel subsidies under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS), warning that rising fuel costs could significantly impact tourism businesses and weaken Sabah’s competitiveness as a travel destination. The call was made jointly by the…
The Sabah government has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on illegal tourism operators, including foreign nationals abusing visitor passes to run unlicensed businesses. State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Shamsureezal Mohd Saina said firm enforcement is necessary to protect legitimate local industry players. He noted that the state is working closely…
LENGGONG: The return of the ancient Perak Man skeleton to the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Gallery has significantly boosted tourism in the area, reinforcing its status as a key heritage destination in Malaysia. The approximately 11,000-year-old skeleton, previously kept by the National Heritage Department in Kuala Lumpur, has been on public display in Lenggong since July…
PENANG: Setia SPICE Convention Centre & Arena (Setia SPICE) has taken a decisive step forward in sustainable event management, turning food waste from its events into valuable resources through a collaboration that brings together industry, academia and enterprise. The initiative, launched today in partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Al-Ansar Integrated Sdn Bhd, centres…
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysia Gold & Jewellery Trade Exhibition (MGJE) 2026 will return to Penang next month with a stronger focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and the launch of a new Southeast Asian gold trading platform. The three-day event, to be held from May 8 to 10 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, is expected…
JOHOR BARU: The Johor government is prioritising domestic tourists in the development of the state’s tourism sector as part of efforts to strengthen the industry sustainably. Johor Mentri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said locals would be among the first to enjoy improved tourism facilities and attractions provided by the state government. He said the approach…
GEORGE TOWN: Carolyn Leong has been returned as chairman of the Penang chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) for the 2026–2029 term. Her re-election was confirmed during the chapter’s annual general meeting held at JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La on Wednesday. Leong will be supported by a committee comprising deputy…
