PETALING JAYA: According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, a permanent license that can be renewed for a set charge would be implemented for the convenience of Tourism operators.
According to him, industry participants like travel agencies and tour guides would find it simpler and more convenient to apply for this license online.
“More specifics regarding this initiative’s implementation are being finalized. Speaking yesterday at an interaction session with Tourism Industry Players 2025 (Central Region), he stated, “We anticipate making an official announcement following the Chinese New Year celebrations.”
Airlines, hotels, travel agencies, associations, and owners of tourism products were among the attendees.
In his remarks, Tiong addressed several issues brought up by industry participants.
He discussed issues with tour bus licensing and enforcement, for example.
He clarified that while the ministry will oversee applications for tourist bus operator licenses, the Transport Ministry will be responsible for road tax and vehicle safety maintenance.
“This is a more practical and efficient way to guarantee the safety of tourist bus operations.
“It is easier for us to take action or punish them, like suspending or withdrawing their licenses, if the licensing authority is under the ministry,” he stated.
Tiong stated that tourist safety must be the top focus. He claimed that the driver or operator was responsible for offences like disregarding license requirements, based on complaints from tourists.
He went on to say that in the absence of decisive action, this might erode public trust in Malaysia as a preferred travel destination.
Tiong stated that the authorities are aware of instances where licenses have been abused and that those responsible will face severe consequences.
According to him, this will subsequently result in Malaysia improving its standing internationally.
“I want to urge everyone to keep playing their roles with commitment and professionalism,” he stated.
Tiong stated that all industry participants, including hoteliers, travel agencies, tour operators, airline partners, cultural ambassadors, and entrepreneurs, must work together for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) to be a success.
He said everyone would have to do their part.
The purpose of yesterday’s engagement session was to give a summary of the VMY2026 campaign and its strategic roadmap, as well as updates on the ministry’s matching grants and incentives, including the International and Charter Flight Matching Grant, the Tourism Promotion Grant, and the Tourism Sector Support Grant.
In order to guarantee a high-impact program and a quicker conversion rate in accomplishing the joint goal of drawing 35.6 million tourists and earning RM147.1 billion in revenue for VMY2026, a business matching session was subsequently organized.
The three main pillars of the VMY2026 strategy are prioritizing target markets, generating demand, and boosting traffic.
Market segmentation, strategic alliances for cooperative promotions with tactical campaigns, and branding and marketing blitzes will be important endeavours.
Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, the secretary-general of the ministry Datuk Wira Roslan Abdul Rahman, the director-general of Tourism Malaysia Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, members of the Tourism Malaysia Board, and other high-ranking officials were also in attendance.
