Malaysia

The first MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair opened on 18 Oct, with the Islamic Tourism Centre a key partner. The fair is aimed at families and millennials, and targets 50,000 visitors overall

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) estimated Malaysia’s Q3 2025 GDP to be 5.2%, more than the 4.4% in Q2 2025, and Bloomberg’s median 4.2% forecast. Research houses are upgrading their forecasts for 2025 as a whole

Ferry passenger traffic to Labuan for the Ro-Ro Ferry Terminal has surged for the Deepavali long weekend, with tickets fully booked from 16-22 Oct for the Labuan-Menumbok route

Only one out of 7 lanes at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI) at the Malaysia-Singapore border installed with the National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe) was functioning on 15 Oct, while 2 out of 8 motorcycle lanes’ MyNIISe app were working at the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ (KSAB). The system installed at the bus halls at both BSI and KSAB was working without any problems. MyNIISe was installed in 16 car lanes at BSI and 12 car lanes at KSAB

The Penang Port Commission and Penang Port Sdn Bhd announced that ferry trips will be offered for free for Malaysians on 20 Oct in conjunction with Deepavali

Piano Land will launch a Muslim-friendly and family-centred cruise in Malaysia with a partnership between Astro Ocean Cruise and Hwajing Travel & Tours. Its first cruise voyage from Port Klang will be launched on 29 Nov. Muslim tourists can enjoy halal food, and the ship will offer prayer-friendly spaces, family-focused programs such as kids’ clubs

More than 80,000 people have registered for the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe). The trial run of MyNIISe has been expanded for motorcycle and pedestrian lanes at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) and Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) in Johor Bahru from 15 Oct. The Home Ministry encouraged the public and foreigners to switch from the MyBorderPass application, but assured both applications can be used for immigration purposes during the trial period

Tourism Malaysia led the signing event between the Selangor government and Lenggong Geopark in Perak, to improve the standards of geoparks in both states. Through this collaboration, Perak and Selangor will share expertise and drive sustainable development. Selangor Tourism EXCO said they have identified 31 geosites, including 20 with strong tourism potential. Selangor targets designating the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark by 2028

Senior Minister of State for Transport of Singapore said they are in talks with Malaysia to allow cross-border taxis to drop off passengers at their preferred locations in Johor Bahru, and vice versa, rather than at designated points. She added the ministry has recognised demand for cross-border point-to-point services, which will provide convenience for the passengers. But she added that, foreign taxis would be allowed to pick up passengers only at designated points to avoid affecting local operators. She said the more pick-up points will be created in Johor Bahru and Singapore for the convenience of the people

Malaysia is ranked at 12th place on the Henley Passport Index 2025, tied with the US, offering visa-free access to 180 destinations out of 227 worldwide

The Prime Minister has said that Malaysia will prepare for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) by focusing on international promotion, collaboration with state governments, and spending based on the “value for money” principle. He added that the Tourism Ministry (MOTAC) is working with Batik Air, AirAsia, hotels, and other tourism operators to improve tourism packages and promotions. MOTAC will focus on digital promotion, which will account for 70% of their efforts compared to 30% through conventional means. He highlighted that new flight routes have resumed from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, and Europe, and the government will make sure that tourism will benefit all regions, including Sabah and Sarawak. He also announced that the appointment of the Director General for the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is expected to be made soon. He denied that ITC will be absorbed under the agency rationalisation exercise. He also said that Malaysia will work with several Islamic countries to lead in improving Islamic financial instruments, halal-tourism and ensuring that the tourism programs, more family-friendly and free from prohibited elements

Trump will visit Malaysia on 26 Oct for the ASEAN Summit and is expected to witness the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. The White House has declined to comment on the President’s attendance. Thailand has made 4 demands, including the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the border, landmine clearance in disputed territories, cooperation in combating transnational crime, and encroachment in some areas

The Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) said they will prioritise cleanliness for Visit Malaysia 2026. He acknowledged the Federal Local Government Minister’s warning to businesses to ensure toilet cleanliness or risk losing their licences. He added that the Sabah authorities are taking steps to address cleanliness in the state. Earlier, he launched the Kota Kinabalu Food Trail, where he handed over plaques to 29 eateries for tourists to use as a guide

Malaysia recorded 28.2 million international arrivals, including excursionists from Jan-Aug 2025, +14.5% YoY. The tourists were from: Singapore, 14 million arrivals, +18.1% YoY China, 3.3 million, +27.5% YoY Indonesia, 2.9 million, +6.8% YoY Thailand, 1.6 million, +5.8% YoY India, 1.1 million, +22.5% YoY

The Prime Minister announced the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), the Second Finance Minister, and Kedah Meteri Besar will work together to make costs in Langkawi more affordable for domestic tourists. He added that the government received complaints over the high cost of food, accommodation, and other services on the island. The Prime Minister said that comparatively, Langkawi is more attractive and cleaner compared to Phuket, but the higher costs make it less appealing to visitors

The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) will collaborate with Klook for a new campaign “Your Chill Escape” from 15 Oct to 14 Nov. The launch of this campaign was held at the Klook Travel Fest 2025. This is the second campaign following the success of the Langkawi Special Deals initiative launched recently, as part of efforts to welcome 3.5 million tourists in 2025. This campaign aims to attract 15,000 people

The Ministry of Tourism (MOTAC) said Malaysia has strengthened its position to host international sporting events in the region through international football matches, such as “Stars of Uruguay 2025 - Global Football Friendly in Malaysia”. The event was held at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka, on 13 Oct, organised by Cohesion Prima and CRIC Global with the support of MOTAC

The Second Finance Minister said the Ringgit is expected to continue to gain support from robust domestic spending and careful government spending. The ringgit could be strengthened to below RM4 per USD. The ringgit was one of the top-performing currencies in Southeast Asia, with 6% growth. Malaysia’s economy is expected to grow 4.0%-4.5% in 2026, a slight drop from 4.0%-4.8% expansion forecast for 2025

Johor Menteri Besar announced that they are increasing efforts to upgrade tourism infrastructure and digital entry systems ahead of Visit Johor 2026. Johor launched the official mascot, theme song, and slogan for Visit Johor 2026. The state is targeting 12 million visitors to join the celebrations

Kota Belud District Police Chief announced all search and rescue activities for the 2 Chinese tourists who went missing on Mantanani Island have been called off after no signs of the 2 and a thorough assessment. He said sea patrols and surveillance will continue along Sabah’s western coastline, and near the Sulu Sea off Kudat

BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, said Malaysia’s medical tourism industry will record strong growth. The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) launched the “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026” campaign to promote healthcare capabilities. Malaysia highlighted its high-quality healthcare services and cultural hospitality during Malaysia Healthcare Week in Kuwait. BMI added that medical tourism expansion in Malaysia, Turkiye, the UAE, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India will create opportunities for public-private partnerships. These countries will continue to invest in advanced technologies such as telemedicine platforms, robotic surgery, and artificial intelligence-driven diagnostic equipment

The Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA) warned travellers of long queues at land checkpoints between Singapore and Johor Bahru from 17-20 Oct, in conjunction with the Deepavali holiday. ICA said there will be stricter checks against e-vaporisers. During the school holidays on 5-15 Sep, over 5.8 million travellers crossed the land borders, including 575,000 travellers on 5 Sep

Johor Menteri Besar is expecting Little India in Johor Bahru to be a tourist attraction once the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link begins its operations on 1 Jan 2027. The government will beautify and revitalise areas within a 3km radius from the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) and the upcoming RTS station

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) welcomed initiatives announced in Budget 2026, especially the 100% income tax exemption on increased revenue from tourism packages to Malaysia. The President of the Malaysian Tourism Federation welcomed initiatives such as RM1,000 tax rebate, income tax exemptions, and renovation incentives for tourism operators

The Malaysian Tourist Guides Council welcomed the Budget 2026 allocations for the tourism industry

Malaysian PM confirmed that Timor-Leste will be made a full member of ASEAN at the ASEAN summit on 26 Oct

The Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions (MATFA) urged the government to abolish the Entertainment Duty Act 1953 while appreciating tourism measures announced in the Budget 2026. MAFTA President said the RM1,000 personal income tax rebate for domestic travel and the income tax exemption to upgrade park facilities will boost domestic tourism, and encourage local spending

Malaysia will allocate RM700 million for the tourism sector as part of Budget 2026: RM500 million allocated to support the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 RM60 million allocated for promotional, marketing and event funding for tourism and cultural activities RM50 million to support art and heritage entrepreneurs RM50 million matching grant for international flights and charters RM25 million to improve tourism facilities, including UNESCO sites RM20 million to boost health tourism programs by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council RM500,000 for tourism project operators who renovate and upgrade their business premises, with tax deduction on qualifying expenses Tourism operators will see a 100% income tax exemption on increased revenue from tourism packages to Malaysia RM1,000 exemption for individual income tax relief for travel domestically on entrance fees to local tourist attractions and cultural programs 100% exemption on excise duty and sales tax for taxi drivers on the purchase of Proton and Perodua

Malaysia announced its 2026 Budget, themed the “Fourth Madani Budget: People’s Budget”, and worth RM470 billion, +11.6% YoY. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will see an increase of 12.7% YoY from 2024’s budget to RM1.42 billion

Malaysia will target 47 million international tourists, generating RM329 billion in 2025. There will be an 100% income tax exemption on statutory income for companies, associations or organisations who organise international-level MICE, as well as 50% income tax exemption on statutory income for companies which organise arts, cultural, tourism activities and international-level sports and recreational competitions which involve foreign participants

The Merdeka 118 building will open a new Textile Museum, scheduled to open in 2026. An initial RM5 million matching grant has been allocated to support Muzium Negara’s rejuvenation

RM250 million has been allocated under Budget 2026 for conservation, under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer Fund. RM80 million will be allocated to deploy 2,500 community rangers, including 1,000 Orang Asli

The QR code border entry system, National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe), will accommodate motorbikes from 15 Oct, at 7 motorcycle lanes at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI) and eight lanes at the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ complex (KSAB) in Second Link. The app has so far seen 50,000 downloads

The Malaysian Tourism Federation welcomed the tax exemptions of RM1,000 for Malaysians visiting local attractions, and tax incentives for Malaysian tourism players

JOMhotel.com, a new Malaysian hospitality tech start-up, is changing how hotels manage their unsold rooms and how travellers book last-minute stays. The company has positioned itself as an alternative to global OTAs. The company was previously known as JustTonite.com. Compared to other OTAs, JOMhotel.com relies on a lean commission model and organic ranking algorithm. The platform offers same-day stays at non-refundable rates, and they estimate the same-day booking market is around 30% of hotel stays. JOMhotel.com mobile app and reward program for members is set to launch in H2 2026

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) announced that the unemployment rate in Aug stayed at 3%, and unemployed persons dropped to 520,000, -0.3% MoM. The Chief Statistician attributed strong economic performance to a stable labour market in Aug. There were a total of 16.99 million persons employed in Aug, +0.2%. The services sector, especially wholesale and retail trade, food and beverages, and accommodation, recorded a strong growth

2.1 million vehicles are expected to be on the road during the Deepavali holiday from 17-21 Oct. Police have launched Ops Lancar during this period to deploy 500 personnel at major highways, city raids, and tourist destinations. The police are waiting for an announcement from the Transport Ministry on the decision on when commercial vehicles are allowed to be on the road. Besides Deepavali, the police are also preparing for events like the ASEAN meeting and a MotoGP event. The police said the road will be closed during the ASEAN meeting

Bank Indonesia (BI) data shows the consumer confidence index (CCI) dropped in Sep to the lowest level in 3 and a half years due to worries over the slow job market. CCI dropped to 115 in Sep vs 117.2 in Aug Consumer expectation index, showing the perceptions of the economy over the next 6 months dropped to 127.2 in Sep The current economic condition index dropped to 102.7, -2.4 points MoM Perceptions of job availability dropped to 92 points vs 93.2 points in Aug Retail sales index (RSI) for Sep increased to 222.9, +5.8% YoY

The Michelin Guide launched its MICHELIN Key in Malaysia with 4 hotels named: the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi (2 Michelin KEYS), and Else Kuala Lumpur, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur and the RuMa Hotel & Residences with 1 Michelin KEY each

Malaysia recorded 28,242,804 tourists (including excursionists) from Jan-Aug 2025, +14.5% YoY and 16.4% vs pre-pandemic

Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2024 by Statistics Malaysia shows, on average, Malaysian households spend RM5,566 per month, +3.9% vs 2022. Top expenses are housing, utilities, and related expenses with a 23.5% share, restaurants and accommodation services (17%), food and non-alcoholic beverages (15.7%), and transport (11%). Spending on restaurants and hotels recorded a 17% increase, while spending on food consumed at home recorded a slight drop

Tourism Malaysia received criticism over the promotion of the Halloween event at Sunway Lagoon from 26 Sep to 2 Nov instead of promoting the local cultural Deepavali event

Malaysia will introduce a Foreign Digital Identity (FDID) system comprising fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition of foreign visitors. The FDID system will be integrated with the centralised biometrics system. This will allow the authority to track all foreign tourists effectively. FDID is part of the Home Ministry’s effort to reduce human intervention at the entry points of Malaysia. Malaysia will also introduce the Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) involving 10 airlines in stages. Within the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), a Risk Assessment Engine (RAE) will be developed. All data collected through the APSS will be analysed by the National Integrated Command Centre in Putrajaya, Sabah, and Sarawak

The Tourism Minister called upon all ASEAN members to strengthen collaboration under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 after the 34th ASEAN Socio‑Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting and the ASEC High‑Level Forum on 7 Oct. He added that ASEAN identity and accelerate digital transformation through culture and heritage, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, health and food security, youth and sports, and climate action. He said that Malaysia would increase efforts to strengthen climate resilience

World Bank Malaysia projects Malaysia’s economy to expand by 4.1% in 2026. The Lead Economist from the World Bank said the domestic demand for Malaysia is expected to reach 4.7% in 2026, a drop from the previously projected 5.2% in 2025. For 2025, the economic growth is expected to moderate at 4.1%

Global Travel Meet organisers, the Malaysian Indian Travel & Tours Association, the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association, and the Malaysia My 2nd Home Consultants Association expressed regret to the Minister of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia over the alcohol served at the event. The issue has become a controversy following criticism from the opposition Member of Parliament, who called it inappropriate for an event organised by the government agency. The Minister clarified that the Tourism Ministry wasn’t involved in organising the event, and it was paid for by the tourism industry players. The Ministry said the event was used to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026, and it generated RM420 million in economic impact

The Tourism Ministry (MOTAC) will improve monitoring and compliance with event guidelines and ethical standards after the public backlash against alcohol served at the Global Travel Meet event. MOTAC expressed regret over the incident. The Prime Minister issued a stern warning to MOTAC, and highlighted the government’s policy prohibiting alcohol at official events

Two Chinese tourists were reported missing from Mantanani Island off Kota Belud. The tourists checked in on 4 Oct and were supposed to check out on 5 Oct. The resort employees found their personal belongings inside the room after checkout time and reported to the police at 8PM. The police have initiated a search together with the Fire and Rescue Department, General Operations Force (GOF), and Marine Corps

Visa published data on consumer spending in Aug 2025. The data shows there is an increase in consumer spending for Indonesia and Australia markets, while China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam lag in spending. Outbound Chinese travel is yet to recover, with visa accessibility remaining an important key factor influencing destinations. Travel demand in corridors like Indonesia-Vietnam and India-Thailand remains resilient despite issues like weak job creation and income inequality. Tourists from the Asia Pacific region have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with the exception of China and Japan. Cruise travel spending in Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and China has outpaced general travel, but Australia and Malaysia still trail. Travellers from India and Indonesia are looking for their first overseas travel experiences. The affluent segment in the Asia Pacific is growing fast with an 8% growth rate from 2025-2030. Affluent tourists are taking more trips. In Japan, they are making 2.5X more trips and 50% more in China and India The top spenders are Australians and Chinese, with $3,000 USD per trip, while other countries in the region spend about $1,000-1,500 USD per trip Indonesians and Australians are spending on hotels, while the Chinese spend on recreation and culture. India and New Zealand spend more on retail experiences

Malaysia is targeting RM200 million revenue from the homestay sector in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). The Deputy Prime Minister said that homestays “are the heartbeat that connects tourists with rural communities”, which preserve culture and offer new opportunities to the young generation whilst generating income for them. He chaired a review meeting on the implementation of the Malaysia Homestay Experience Programme (PPHM) ahead of VM2026. PPHM recorded RM39.83 million in revenue, and recorded 620,000 visitors Aug YTD 2025. Sabah, Johor, and Pahang recorded the highest numbers. The government offers over 12 financing schemes and grants for PPHM operators through government agencies. The government approved RM1.1 million to upgrade rural access roads, community facilities, and educational tourism packages for students from Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia. He added that the student exchange program will be expanded in collaboration with the institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education and MARA Junior Science Colleges. Promotions for homestay programs were carried out in Indonesia, China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand, as well as through digital platforms jomhomestay.my and go2homestay.my

The Tourism Ministry announced a collaboration with Starbucks Malaysia in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign to introduce limited edition products, special drinks, and local dishes. However, this received backlash from the public for not supporting local brands. In Malaysia, there is an ongoing boycott campaign against Starbucks for its alleged support of Israel in the ongoing war against Gaza

Aroya Cruises will launch IslamiCruise, an umrah cruise in Jan. The one-way 15-day cruise from Port Klang, Malaysia, will make stops at Banda Aceh in Indonesia, Oman, the Maldives, before docking in Saudi Arabia. The passengers will perform umrah and will spend 2 nights in Jeddah. The pilgrims can choose to travel from Malaysia or from Saudi Arabia. The cruise also welcomes non-Muslim passengers, but they will get a separate package without the umrah

Singapore and Malaysian operators are still offering cross-border transport services despite the clampdown by the authorities against the illegal services. Singapore-based companies offering the services claim they are still offering the service due to demand and contractual obligation. HDB, a Singapore Government Agency, called for a tender for cross-border chauffeur services in May. HDB’s spokesperson said the vendor must comply with all requirements. LTA advised to use licensed providers under the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme and coaches. LTA added that their employees use either public transport or their personal vehicles when they travel to Malaysia for work. Johor Transport EXCO said they submitted a proposal to the Malaysian Transport Ministry for 5 more pickup and drop-off points for cross-border passenger transport service vehicles, and to some vehicles to offer door-to-door services in Johor Bahru

The Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 (F1) boosted tourism arrivals and spending beyond Singapore. Data from Sojern shows that 25% of American and Canadian visitors to F1 booked flights to Japan; nearly 1/3rd of Australians travelled to Indonesia, specifically Bali; and 18% of Europeans booked trips to Thailand, and others travelled to China, South Korea, India, the Maldives, and Fiji. A senior lecturer at the National University of Singapore (NUS) said travel websites have bundled trips to the F1 race in Singapore with popular Southeast Asian island destinations. He added that visitors to the F1 race often travel to Bali 2 or 3 days after the race. CNBC Travel found packages combining the F1 race with Langkawi and Borneo trips in Malaysia, and cruises with stops in Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Travellers also scheduled their trip to the F1 race with the Milken Institute Asia Summit (1-3 Oct) and Token2049, a crypto conference (7-8 Oct). Family travellers to Singapore recorded +6.6% YoY, but solo travellers dropped by 8%

Penang is reported to have seen a steady stream of Chinese arrivals from 1-8 Oct for the Golden Week holidays

General Manager of Trip.com Malaysia called on the government to allocate beyond marketing to improve infrastructure, safety, and heritage restoration, to make sure Malaysia remains a leading destination. Trip.com’s “Momentum 2025” report shows that 78% visitors choose destinations based on food festivals, 91% are inspired by TV shows, and 62% book holidays based on social media. She added that Malaysian users compared hotels using AI tools 2.5X more than the global average. A professor at Universiti Utara Malaysia said that the tourism industry contributed RM191.9 billion or 15.1% of GDP in 2024. He warned that Malaysia is stuck between Thailand’s mass tourism and Singapore’s premium segment

The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation and Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sawit Kinabalu, signed a new partnership to protect endangered orangutans. The agreement was an important step to balance plantation development with biodiversity protection. Sawit Kinabalu will allocate 2,632 ha within its Sungai Pin Estate as a High Conservation Value area. There are an estimated 55 orangutans in this area. MPOGCF and a local conservation group called Hutan will conduct a new population study. MPOGCF will allocate RM20,000 to support conservation efforts under the Orangutan Diplomacy Program

The Chief Minister of Sabah announced the RM4.2 billion, 35-acre Jesselton Docklands waterfront development in Kota Kinabalu, expected to accelerate Sabah’s economy. It will include hotels, branded suites, offices and retail spaces in Phase 1, and Phase 2 will see Jesselton Quay development, with a modern ferry terminal, positioning Kota Kinabalu as a premier cruise destination

3,148 Singapore drivers have been issued summons worth RM944,400 for entering Johor without a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tag since enforcement started on 1 Jul. Each summons was for RM300

The Global Travel Meet 2025 was held from 1-3 Oct in the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. The event gathered over 600 buyers (from ASEAN, Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania), 400 Malaysian sellers, and 100 journalists. The previous edition was held in 2007

The 8th edition of Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2025 took place from 29 Sep-1 Oct, at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre. The event was introduced by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) in 2018, and this year’s event attracted 48 exhibitors and more than 80 international buyers and media from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, representing 13 countries

Tourism industry players are asking the government to increase fund allocation and introduce targeted incentives in the 2026 budget to make the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign a success. The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) said VM2026 could help to generate a spillover effect, encourage repeat visitors, and create more jobs across multiple sectors. MATTA President said that due to the weaker ringgit, overseas promotion of VM2026 has become costlier. He requested additional funds for international marketing, especially in markets like China and India. He supported programs like Gamelan, the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) and the Tourism Sector Support Grant (GSSP). He also asked to address challenges in the tourism industry such as scams and unlicensed operators. He proposed tax incentives for private agencies and tour operators which managed to attract large tour groups, to help them offset high promotional costs. He urged more allocations to city councils to improve tourist facilities such as lighting, pedestrian walkways, and public transportation. He also asked for more allocation to restore heritage sites in major cities. The MAH President asked the government to expand tax incentives, which are limited to 1-3 star hotels, to 4-5 star hotels. She suggested offering grants for digitalisation services such as self-check-in systems or robotic vacuum cleaners to reduce reliance on manpower. She proposed a personal tax rebate to encourage domestic tourism. She asked the government to introduce incentives to allow hotels implement ESG practices such as upgrading eco-friendly chillers, installing solar panels, and harvesting rainwater

H World Group from China will open its first property in Malaysia in Q4 2025. JI Hotel Downtown Kuala Lumpur, located in the Dang Wangi district, will feature 101 rooms

Johor Fisheries Department is working to save coral reefs in Mersing. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List classified 30% of the 261 hard coral species as ‘Near Threatened’. The Director of the Fisheries Department said that 43% of the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park is covered by live coral, with 16 species. The department has anchored 10 artificial reefs in the Pulau Aur waters as part of conservation measures. This program will help to restore the productivity of capture fisheries, safeguard the fishing community’s livelihoods, and ensure the long-term viability of Johor’s fishing sector

The Johor Government is asking the public and foreign visitors to download the National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe) application to ease the immigration process

Malaysia hosted a 1-day ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat in Melaka to focus on improving connectivity in ASEAN member states. The Secretary-General of the Tourism Ministry (MOTAC) said the meeting focused on easing congestion during peak tourist arrivals by land, air, and sea. He added that a future rail system between Singapore and Malaysia will reduce travel time to 5 minutes in both directions. The immigration process will be streamlined to only one checkpoint between Singapore and Malaysia. He said the member states are looking to increase the use of autogate systems at the airport to speed up the entry process for tourists

Pahang organised the first tourism roadshow in India, on 24 Sep in New Delhi and on 26 Sep in Chennai, to promote Pahang beyond Genting Highlands. Pahang Tourism EXCO said 60% of Indian tourists visiting Malaysia visit Genting Highlands as part of their itineraries. She added they want to promote Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, and beaches like Cherating, and Tioman Island in the Indian market. The delegation consists of Pahang Government officials and 12 tourism players. In 2024, Pahang recorded 53,000 Indian overnight visitors. Pahang will organise a fam trip for travel agents and media representatives as part of its marketing efforts in India

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will organise the first MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF) from 18-19 Oct at World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. There will be 115 booths hosted by licensed tour and travel agents

Singapore UOB cardholders can redeem reward points called “UNI$” when spending at over 150 merchants in Johor, the first initiative of its kind for a Singaporean financial institution. The rate is set at UNI$500 for $5 SGD in bill offsets. UOB data shows billings recorded a 40% increase between 2022 and 2024, and in H1 2025 recorded +20% YoY. Spending in Johor made up nearly 50% of all credit card spending in Malaysia over the period. The top spending category in Johor for Singaporean cardholders is dining (15%), supermarkets (10%), and apparel (9%)

The Kuala Lumpur Mayor expressed her hope to make the Klang River swimmable in the future, inspired by the Seine River, Paris. She said this might not be achieved during her tenure, but she hopes her successor will continue the work to make it a reality. She earlier officiated the Klang River Festival 2025, which will take place from 26 Sep to 5 Oct at Old Klang Road Riverside near Millerz Square

The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development called for the preservation of the unique tradition of boat processions to Pulau Salak called ‘berselarak’ in conjunction with “berselawat” (sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad SAW). The 10th Pulau Salak Berselawat Program 2025 was held in Kampung Pulau Salak, Kuching, Sarawak

The Great Outdoor Expo 2025 (TGO), as part of the Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (KCCM), will take place from 3-5 Oct at MAEPS, Serdang. The event is organised by Star Media Group in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia to promote domestic tourism

8 tourists were injured after a tourist boat capsized during a parasailing activity in Langkawi on 28 Sep. The victims did not suffer serious injuries and all are being treated at the hospital

The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry announced that the Kinabatangan area has been recognised as a biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program. Kinabatangan has become the 4th biosphere reserve in Malaysia to receive the recognition after Tasik Chini in Pahang (2009), Crocker Range in Sabah (2014), and Penang Hill in Penang (2021). The decision was made during the 37th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Program held in Hangzhou, China. The reserve hosts endemic and endangered species such as the orangutan, Bornean pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, sun bear, clouded leopard, and eight species of hornbill

The Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) was officially launched on 27 Sep in Melaka, as part of the World Tourism Day celebrations. The Tourism Minister said that VM 2026 should benefit all people, including artisans, hawkers and families in rural homestays

UN Tourism held its World Tourism Conference in Malaysia under the theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation" in Melaka. The Deputy PM also announced that Malaysia would join the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) with a pilot project in Mersing, Johor

Melaka Chief Minister said they will ensure the tourism industry in Melaka remains competitive by continuing to draft inclusive policies and initiatives. Melaka recorded 11 million visitors and RM12.05 billion in revenue from Jan-Aug 2025. Melaka hosted the Visit Malaysia Travel Meet (VMTM) 2025 from 26-28 Sep, coinciding with World Tourism Day and the World Tourism Conference. The event gathered 400 tourism industry players from Malaysia and featured B2B and B2C sessions. A total of 180 exhibitors took part in the event

The Perak Fire and Rescue Department advised the public against outdoor activities such as camping during the inter-monsoon season to avoid risks of falling trees, flash floods, and landslides. The season is expected to last from Sep to early Nov. The department has identified several hotspot areas which are prone to flash floods

The Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) asked the government to introduce direct promotional grants for licensed tourism operators in the 2026 budget as part of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. MTF President said the current grants are not enough to prepare for VMY 2026. He added that the Cultural Sector Support Grant and the Tourism Sector Support Grant under Tourism Malaysia are useful but insufficient to meet the demand of the industry

The UN World Tourism Organisation’s World Tourism Barometer report shows that Malaysia’s international tourist arrivals recorded a 9% YoY increase in H1 2025. Vietnam recorded a +21% YoY growth, while Indonesia reported a +9% YoY growth. The report also shows that arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew by +11% in H1 2025, with recovery reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels. Overall, 690 million tourists travelled internationally in H1 2025, +5% YoY. Southeast Asia ranked at 6th globally for the international arrivals in H1 2025, +5.5% YoY. The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) President said Malaysia is on track to record 43 million tourist arrivals in 2025 (including excursionists) and 47 million in 2026. He added that in 2024 alone, Malaysia recorded a 20% increase in arrivals. He also highlighted the potential of transit passengers and intra-ASEAN travellers. Your Inbound Matters founder asked Malaysia to focus on the quality of visitors. He pointed out that tourists in Thailand spend more than RM7,000 per trip, while in Malaysia, they only spend RM4,000. Your Inbound Matters founder urged Malaysia to focus on the quality of visitors. He pointed out that tourists in Thailand spend more than RM7,000 per trip, while in Malaysia, they spend only RM4,000. He also said that Malaysia should balance cultural preservation and environmental protection with tourism growth. He added that Malaysia can highlight cultural heritage and local experiences, such as food trails, cycling tours, and community-based activities, which encourage visitors to stay longer in the country. He also mentioned that the government should support developing new markets such as Iran, Russia, and the Middle East

Selangor Fruit Valley (SFV) recorded 2,396 visitors on 15 Sep, following an additional public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day, its highest-ever turnout. The park is also recognised as the largest tropical fruit farm and agro-tourism centre by the Malaysia Book of Records. Under the Visit Selangor 2025 campaign, other agro-tourism destinations, such as Ladang Farm Fresh and HL Dragon Fruit Farm, have recorded an increase in visitor arrivals

Trip.com Group showed that outbound accommodation bookings from China recorded triple-digit growth YoY. Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore were ranked 3rd-5th most popular destinations for Chinese travellers

The Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Timor-Leste reaffirmed their commitment to improve bilateral cooperation while improving and diversifying economic ties. Malaysia stressed its full support to make Timor-Leste a full member of ASEAN by the 47th ASEAN Summit in Oct. Both Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dili by Batik Air and the announcement of a visa waiver for Malaysian citizens to Timor-Leste from 16 Aug

The opening ceremony of the Borneo Games 2025 was held at Stadium Perpaduan in Kuching on 24 Sep. The event was last held in 2013. Over 1,000 athletes and officials from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei, and East Kalimantan took part in the games, which will conclude on 28 Sep. Sarawak Sports Minister said 124 medals were awarded across 5 main sports categories: athletics, swimming, badminton, lawn bowls, and archery. He added that the game will be organised every 2 years, and the next host will be determined before the end of the game. He added that the next host will decide whether to extend the invitation to this game beyond Borneo to Peninsular Malaysia, and even to other international countries like Australia and the Philippines. He said this game will be a training session for Sarawak, which is slated to co-host the 2027 SEA Games with Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor

Indian tourists prefer the beach destinations for their vacations, and Langkawi sees a strong demand according to the Airbnb report

Penang Tourism EXCO said Japanese tourists are ranked among the top 10 international arrival markets for Penang, and from Jan-Jul 2025, 9,753 Japanese tourists arrived in Penang via direct flights, +25% YoY. He led a delegation for ‘Not the Penang That You Know’ roadshow to promote Penang’s tourism in Tokyo. The delegation consists of representatives from Tourism Malaysia, hoteliers, travel agencies, international schools, and Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) agents. The Japan Tourist Bureau’s (JTB) data shows that outbound Japanese tourists are projected to spend an average of RM9,056 per person in 2025. The delegation also visited Japan Airlines to discuss the demand and opportunities to launch direct flights between the countries. There are around 3,500 Japanese are staying or working in Penang

The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) at The Light City mixed-use development is set to open in Oct 2025. The convention centre can accommodate up to 10,000 guests. PWCC is expected to host 30,000 delegates in 2025, generating approximately $13.2 million USD for Penang’s economy. PWCC is expected to boost the MICE industry by 35% in 2025, with a few events slated from Oct. PWCC will host the 7th Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development, K-Brand Week with K-Beauty Expo Malaysia and Water Tech Asia 2025. In 2024, Penang recorded over 2,000 business events, with more than 300,000 delegates and generating $300 million USD in revenue. Penang’s another MICE venue, SPICE Arena, is fully booked for the next few years. The Light City development, where PWCC is located, will also host two hotels, JdV by Hyatt with 156 rooms and China’s Galaxy Minyoun Hotels-operated hotel with 303 rooms. Both hotels are set to open in Q3 2026. This development will be connected with the upcoming LRT station, which will boost the accessibility for the visitors