KUALA LUMPUR: Tourist arrivals from ASEAN countries to Malaysia have surged by 15.5% in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said the increase was a testament to the country’s targeted promotional efforts and its strategic advantage…
KUALA LUMPUR: Several tour companies in Tawau, Sabah, believed to be locally owned, have instead been found to be controlled by Chinese investors and involved in a range of illegal operations. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said investigations uncovered that some of these operators had constructed overwater chalets without permits,…
SINGAPORE: Malaysia is stepping up its tourism game in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), with low-cost carrier Scoot joining the push through a strategic three-year partnership aimed at fuelling regional travel to the country. The Singapore-based airline, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, inked a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) with Tourism Malaysia, pledging to…
JOHOR BARU: As the countdown to Visit Johor 2026 (VM2026) begins, anticipation is building among Malaysians eager to explore what the southern state has to offer. From theme park thrills to eco-tourism experiences, Johor’s growing list of attractions is stirring excitement among young travellers and families alike. “I’ve always heard Johor is more developed, especially…
TASHKENT, July 29 — A Malaysian tourism delegation comprising representatives from over 25 travel companies has completed a working visit to Uzbekistan, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector. The week-long visit, which covered the regions of Jizzakh, Samarkand, Bukhara, and the capital city Tashkent, was organised through the joint efforts of the…
KOTA KINABALU – Sabah is off to an encouraging start for the year with 1.44 million visitors in the first half of 2025, collecting about RM3.3 million in tourism receipts, said Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Speaking during a dinner in Semporna hosted for Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution…
GEORGE TOWN — Malaysia is poised to make history in its cruise tourism industry with the arrival of its first Chinese homeported cruise ship, M/V Piano Land, through a partnership between Chinese operator Astro Ocean Cruise and local travel company Hwajing Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd. The M/V Piano Land, operated by Astro Ocean Cruise,…
GEORGE TOWN — In a poignant celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and continuity, the Penang State Government has unveiled a video series titled “Traditional Trades of Penang” — a compelling tribute to the island’s living heritage and the artisans who keep it alive. Launched in conjunction with the upcoming George Town World Heritage Celebration this July…
JOHOR BARU: The extension of KTM Bhd’s Electric Train Service (ETS) from Gemas to Johor Baru is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and give a strong boost to the nation’s tourism industry, according to tourism officials. Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotion) Datuk Musa Yusof said the new service — which is projected to take passengers…
IPOH: Perak took the top spot for the highest number of domestic tourists in 2024, says Loh Sze Yee. The state tourism committee chairman said, according to the Statistics Department, Perak welcomed 10.2 million local tourists, followed by Selangor and Pahang with 9.6 million and 9.5 million respectively last year. Loh attributed the achievement partly…
