Malaysia

Suria Capital Holdings met with delegates from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore to position Kota Kinabalu Port in Sabah as a port-of-call for international cruise liners

Tourism Malaysia launched Stargazing Packages during the Malaysia Fest 2025 in Singapore, highlighting destinations like Bukit Merah, Pantai Pengkalan Balak, Desaru, Perlis, and Pantai Tok Bali. Tourism Malaysia Singapore Director said the 30 ready-to-book packages are designed for astronomy enthusiasts. At the event, Malaysia showcased tourism products and services from 16 co-exhibitors offering exclusive travel deals, healthcare tourism, theme park attractions, and resort stays. From Jan-May 2025, Malaysia welcomed 8.3 million visitors from Singapore (including excursionists). Malaysia has set a target to welcome 43 million international tourists and excursionists in 2025

Penang Chief Minister said the state welcomed 412,944 foreign patients in 2024 and recorded RM888.7 million in revenue based on 17 members of Penang Centre of Medical Tourism’s data. In 2025, as of 18 Aug, Penang welcomed 213,032 foreign patients with RM461.4 million in revenue. He added that due to competition from other states, the percentage of overall contribution from Penang dropped from 60% to 40%, but the revenue from medical tourism continues to increase with existing hospitals offering additional services such as a new cancer centre at Island Hospital. He added that there will be more new private hospitals in Penang

The budget for the LRT Mutiara Line in Penang is set at RM16.8 billion due to market conditions, including land acquisition costs since 2016. The original estimate was at RM10 billion in 2018, when the original alignment was only from Silicon Island to Komtar. The current alignment is extended from Macallum to Penang Sentral. MRT Corp said the extension of the alignment from Penang Island to Seberang Perai was increased by RM3 billion from RM13 billion. Land acquisition is expected to cost RM2 billion. The Mutiara Line, with a length of 29.5km and 21 stations from Silicon Island to Komtar, and from Komtar to Penang Sentral, is expected to be completed in 2031. Three other lines are planned to cover Tanjung Bungah, Batu Feringghi, and Air Itam, and these new lines are expected to be fully completed by 2050

The Tourism Ministry said RM72.052 million worth of tourism infrastructure development and maintenance projects were approved during the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) from 2021-2025

Kazakhstan is looking to explore tourism cooperation with Sabah for sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and community-based tourism. The Kazakhstan Ambassador to Malaysia said they will organise the Kazakh Concert in Sabah in Oct. He said Kazakhstan National TV will air this event to showcase Sabah’s tourism offerings to the Kazakh people. The Assistant Tourism Minister of Sabah said both Sabah and Kazakhstan are known for their nomadic villages, and they can learn from each other to develop rural tourism initiatives. From Jan-May 2025, Malaysia welcomed 20,102 Kazah tourists, with a large number of tourists visiting Langkawi

The Sports Minister said Malaysia is not planning to bring back the F1 race due to high sponsorship costs and a tight racing calendar. The event requires around RM300 million annually for 3-5 years, which is 2X of the government’s development costs for 20 national sports programs. She added Malaysia would have to compete with Singapore and Thailand to host this event

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA) and URBANICE Malaysia signed an MoU during the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF) at the KLCC. The collaboration will help to build inclusive cities where tourism can play an important role in economic and social development. The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and KLCCBEA will work on initiatives like Sustainable September and other sustainable tourism events within the KLCC precinct to improve the cultural and tourism appeal of Kuala Lumpur

The Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Exhibition (MAHA 2026) is expected to welcome 5 million visitors following the success of MAHA 2024 in attracting 5.5 million visitors and generating RM48.5 million in direct sales. MAHA will focus on showcasing new agricultural technology, attracting quality investments, and improving capacity-building programs for farmers. The Secretary-General of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said climate change is a major challenge, and they will introduce technology to improve seed quality to ensure resilience and sustainability. He said Malaysia’s agricultural certificate, MyGAP, will incorporate sustainability and carbon credit elements to increase farmers’ incomes while supporting climate goals

The Transport Minister said the ministry is willing to discuss with Singapore to implement cross-border e-hailing services between Singapore and Johor. He added that they previously raised this issue with the previous Transport Minister of Singapore, but they were not ready to discuss this during that time. He said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) conducted a Special Op for Foreign Vehicle E-Hailing on 13 Aug and detained 4 private vehicles driven by Singaporeans. He said the operation was conducted after Singapore launched an inspection on illegal e-hailing services. The Minister said the federal government will upgrade the main road connecting the Bukit Chagar Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link to ease the traffic flow. The Transport Ministry and the Johor State Government will expand the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) scheme as a medium-term solution. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) will introduce the Southern Commuter Service to complement rail services in southern Malaysia. The Ministry is exploring suitable boats or ferries to improve connectivity between Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis to Langkawi

Malaysia recorded a YoY increase in tourist arrivals (including excursionists) from the top 10 markets in H1 2025: Singapore, 10,288,256 tourists, +22.5% YoY Indonesia, 2,197,288, +8.2% YoY China, 2,178,857, +35.6% YoY Thailand, 1,237,979, +5.4% YoY India, 807,664, +26.6% Brunei, 747,851, -15.5% The Philippines, 296,298, +10.3% South Korea, 279,223, +4.4% Australia, 233,147, +11.6% Chinese Taipei, 218,171, +12.2%

Johor Bahru welcomed 14 million foreign visitors in H1 2025, with Singaporeans accounting for 11 million. Johor welcomed visitors from Indonesia, China, India, the Philippines, European countries, and South Korea as well. In Q1 2025, 2 million tourists, including domestic tourists, stayed more than one night in Johor. Johor will promote small towns across 10 districts in Johor by holding events like Majestic Johor and Festival Zapin. Johor is targeting 12 million tourists in 2026

Sarawak will host the PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM 2026) for the first time at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching from 18-20 Aug 2026. This event will be hosted by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) with the support of Business Events Sarawak and endorsement from the Sarawak Tourism Ministry

Housing and Local Government Minister announced that nearly 900 hotels were registered as of Jun 2025 in Malaysia, with the highest in Kuala Lumpur with 129 hotels, followed by Selangor, 88 hotels; Penang (84); Johor (74); Melaka (68); Sarawak (62); Pahang (61); Perak (57); Sabah (53); Kedah (40); Negri Sembilan (35); Terengganu (31); Kelantan (19); and Labuan (12). Putrajaya and Perlis each have only 8 hotels. He said the Town and Country Planning Department (PlanMalaysia) has completed a draft of a guideline for short-term rental accommodations (STRA). The guideline will be presented to the Cabinet by the Local Government and Tourism Ministries. This guideline will address issues due to unregistered STRA. STRA operators will have to register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia, obtain a licence from local authorities, and be insured to ensure the operations are on par with the hotel industry. STRA owners have to register with the Tourism Ministry once they receive approval from local authorities

The Trade and Industry Minister said Malaysia’s GDP in 2025 is projected to shrink by 0.6-1.2 percentage points due to a 19% tariff rate imposed by the US. GDP growth for 2026 is expected to decline slightly compared to 2025. However, he pointed out it is still early to provide a conclusive assessment whether it will affect inflation in sectors like transportation, energy, and food

Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2025 will be held from 18 Aug-30 Sep for the 4th time to promote Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH). ITM will be organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and it will focus on 8 categories: Mosque Open Day, Accommodation, Travel Packages, Spa, Wellness and Healthcare, Food and Beverages, Events and Exhibitions, Shopping and Retail, and Tourism Products and Theme Parks

The Tourism Ministry (MOTAC) introduced a special tourism package for nurses under the Health Ministry working in Sibu and Bintulu. MOTAC Minister said these packages will include round-trip Batik Air flight tickets from Sibu or Bintulu to Kuala Lumpur for RM138, discounts up to 15% for accommodation in 14 hotels in Peninsular Malaysia and Kuching, and a 10% discount in 5 Sibu hotels. The booking can be made from 1-30 Sep for the travel period from 1 Sep-31 Dec

The Tourism Minister asked Sabah authorities to take necessary actions to improve Sabah’s tourism image. The Tourism Ministry held a meeting with the Sabah Tourism Ministry and relevant enforcement agencies to address tourism safety issues, illegal operations, and enforcement in Sabah. The meeting was held after a 2-day joint sea and land enforcement operation in Tawau. During the enforcement, they found various irregularities, such as overloaded tour buses with tour guides, foreigners renting local licences to operate, foreign divers working illegally, non-tourism vehicles carrying passengers, boats operating with approvals, corruption in the Immigration Department, resorts and homestays without insurance, and unauthorised fee collection on certain islands. The Minister said he raised several serious weaknesses in tourism safety in Sabah. He added that based on statistics in 2023, 14 tourism-related incidents caused 6 deaths and 9 injuries; in 2024, 11 incidents with 9 deaths and 28 injuries; and as of Jul 2025, 23 incidents with 2 deaths and 2 injuries. He said these accidents show weaknesses in safety management and regulatory oversight, which can undermine tourists’ confidence in Sabah

The Director of Tourism Johor said tourism infrastructure and products are nearly 90% ready ahead of the Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY2026) campaign, which targets 12 million visitors. Key tourism upgrades include night experience at the Johor Zoo and reopening of eco-tourism sites like Gunung Ledang Waterfall

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said halal certification in the food and beverage (F&B) sector will add value to businesses as more tourists visit Malaysia. He said a halal certificate shows cleanliness, food safety, and overall quality standards. He added that a Halal Commission will be established under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP)

Bank Negara Malaysia and the Statistics Department showed that Malaysia’s GDP grew 4.4% YoY in Q2 2025, and 2.1% on a QoQ seasonally adjusted basis, driven by robust household spending and positive labour market conditions

The Tourism Minister reported that Malaysia has welcomed 15.09 million visitors from ASEAN countries in H1 2025, +15.5% YoY

The KLIA Aerotrain will undergo maintenance over a 2-week period from 18 Aug to enhance its performance from 12am-5am daily. Since it started operations in Jul, it has carried 2 million pax and done 18,800 trips

Semporna and its surrounding islands are now seeking up to 2,000 visitors daily, with the majority from China. Some local business owners have reported Chinese-owned businesses being opened and serving these customers, which locals say are being operated via Malaysian proxies. Locals have also reported that Semporna’s infrastructure cannot withstand the influx of tourists, with power and water shortages as well as waste management issues. Tawau after an enforcement exercise found some tour companies were being operated by Chinese investors and were linked to illegal activity, including overwater chalets, aquaculture farms without approval and homestays on agricultural or livestock land

Sarawak will hold its inaugural Mega Fair in Singapore from 16-19 Oct that will showcase its businesses, tourism and culture

The Malaysian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka recorded 2.2 million visitors, more than Malaysia’s 1.5 million target. Indonesia and Singapore recorded 1 million visitors respectively as of Jul. The Philippines recorded 600,000 visitors. Thailand from 13 Apr to 13 Aug recorded 1.25 million visitors, about 10,000 per day

The 57th Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair will be held from 5-7 Sep at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), featuring a record 2,040 booths. MATTA has designated Sabah as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for the 57th MATTA Fair

A joint federal–state committee, co-chaired by the Home Minister and Sabah Chief Minister, has been established in Sabah to fast-track citizenship applications for stateless children and other eligible applicants under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution

Telenor Asia’s “Digital Lives Decoded 2025: Building Trust in Malaysia’s AI future” report on Malaysian internet users shows that 89% of users are using artificial intelligence (AI) on a daily basis vs 75% in 2024. The report surveyed 1,000 internet users, and the respondents are optimistic about AI’s potential, but they are aware of its risks, ethics, fairness, and control. The report also found 51% of internet users use AI at work vs 37% in 2024. The top purposes of AI applications in the workplace are for analytics (59%), content development (52%), and customer service (45%). Telenor Group Senior Vice-President and Head of AI, said the companies must adopt transparent AI strategies, set responsible AI frameworks, and provide AI-related education for its employees

Feasibility study for the Trans-Borneo Railway is expected to conclude in Q3 2026. The Transport Minister said the study will assess technical, commercial, socio-economic, operational, governance, and social benefit aspects, as well as the strategic plan and timeline. RM7 million had been allocated for the study

The US Department of Homeland Security data shows 44,312 Malaysians who were on leisure and business trips to the US were expected to exit the country in 2023, but 367 are suspected to have overstayed, and an additional 41 Malaysians only left the US after their visa expired. The 0.92% total overstay rate for Malaysia was the 10th lowest among the 155 countries. A US visa bond will be piloted from 20 Aug 2025 to 5 Aug 2026, and it will apply to travellers who need B-1 or B-2 visas to enter the US. A State Department spokesperson said the countries with “high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations” will fall under the program. The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur declined to comment on whether Malaysia will be affected. The State Department website shows that under the program, any citizen of a country travelling to the US under a B1 or B2 visa must post a bond in amounts of $5,000 USD, $10,000 USD, or $15,000 USD, which will be determined during the visa interview. The bond will be returned if they adhere to all conditions of their visa

The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) recorded a +26% YoY in the issuance of Not to Land (NTL) notices at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 from May-Jul 2025. 900 NTL cases were recorded in May, 987 in June, and 1,134 in Jul. On 12 Aug, 40 Bangladeshis were issued NTL notices in KLIA T1. AKPS found their intentions to visit suspicious and non-compliant with entry rules after reviewing their documents

Sarawak recorded RM1 billion per month in tourism receipts in H1 2025. The tourism receipts include spending on hotels, restaurants, transport, crafts, and other related expenditure. The state welcomed 2.4 million tourists in H1 2025, and the Tourism Minister of Sarawak expects 500,000 visitors per month from Jul. He said the WAK Festival, which will be held in Oct, is expected to be a contributing factor to tourist arrivals. The event was expanded from Kuching to Sibu and Miri in 2024. WAK used to stand for “What About Kuching”, but now it’s known as “We Are Kindred”. The 2025 edition will be held under the theme “Roots” to celebrate Sarawak’s cultural and historical roots. The event will feature 49 collaborators, 67 unique events, and 369 daily activities across 44 venues around Kuching

Sabah Tourism Minister assured that Sabah will maintain high standards for tourist safety during a coordination meeting on tourism with the federal and state agencies, which was chaired by the Tourism Minister. She said they have strengthened collaboration with the Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement agency (MMEA) and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to patrol and monitor the sea

Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM) 2025 to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 23-26 Sep. The event will feature over 1,500 brands and companies from 15 countries, with an expected attendance of over 25,000 trade visitors. The event is organised by Informa Markets Malaysia

The Tourism Minister reported that several tour companies in Tawau, Sabah have been found to be run by Chinese investors and are allegedly connected to illegal activities, following a joint enforcement operation involving the ministry’s Tourism Licensing and Enforcement Division, the Immigration Department, the Royal Malaysia Police and other agencies. He said that some operators had constructed overwater chalets without permits, run aquaculture farms without approval, and set up unlicensed homestays on agricultural or livestock land. The enforcement operation inspected 30 buses and tourist vehicles, 15 tourism business premises, 40 boats and four jetties, issuing nine summons

Malaysia will demolish 128 illegal jetties along the Kolok River to clamp down on illicit activities along the Thai-Malaysia border

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia’s data shows the National Mosque of Kuala Lumpur, Putra Mosque, and Putrajaya Mosque collectively recorded 1 million visitors in 2024. Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) said they achieved this by integrating interactive technologies and engaging in social programs to highlight the significance and religious importance. ITC proposed mosques to use interactive systems, QR codes, and a strong presence on social media to engage and be more accessible to tourists

Residents of Gelang Patah, Pontian, and Kulai welcome the proposal for a second Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Tuas and Iskandar Puteri on the Singapore-Malaysia border. The residents said they have to rely on buses to make the daily cross-border journey, which doesn’t have sufficient capacity

The Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) launched “Citra Warisan Program” to transform historical sites into community hubs to attract tourists. The double-decked Jambatan Kota, which was built between 1958 and 1960, was the first building to be revitalised at a cost of RM700,000. The program will also cover culturally significant areas such as Little India, Jalan Stesen, and Taman Pengkalan Batu. A pre-war building which housed coffee trading shops in Jalan Stesen 1 has been converted into a hotel. Selangor Tourism EXCO said the placemaking efforts will have a positive impact on local economies and the overall quality of life. He added that pedestrian-friendly zones, hosting local food events, and incorporating local cultures will have a positive impact on local economies and social interactions. Tourism Selangor CEO said the Citra Warisan Program aligned with the #SelangorkanAda! and #SurprisingSelangor! campaigns for Visit Selangor 2025. Selangor is targeting 8 million tourists by the end of 2025

SKS Group signed an agreement with Marriott International to open Four Points by Sheraton Johor Bahru, after rebranding AmanSari Residence Resort in Bandar Seri Alam. The hotel will open in Q1 2026 and will feature 150 rooms and event spaces. This hotel will be SKS Hospitality’s first franchise operation and the 4th in Malaysia after Four Points by Sheraton Desaru, Sheraton Johor Bahru (opening in Q3 2025), and Courtyard by Marriott Subang (opening in 2026)

During a workshop themed "Responsible Birding, Sustainable Tourism" at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, Sandakan, guidelines on birdwatching were drafted. Sabah Chief Conservator said there will be a classification system for bird hides to provide a practical guide to identify levels of development, safety, and visitors' readiness. The system includes an appropriate contribution of fees for hides operating within the forest reserves, and will form a potential basis for revenue-sharing models for participants. The workshop also addressed the rapid growth of bird hides in Sabah and the need for a sustainable approach to balance ecotourism, safety, and forest protection

The unemployment rate was recorded at 3% with unemployed persons, dropping to 518,700 based on the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s (DOSM) Labour Force Statistics for June 2025 and Q2 2025. The employment rate increased by 0.3% MoM in Jun to 17.43 million persons (17.38 million persons in May 2025). In Q2 2025, the labour force recorded 17.37 million persons, +0.8% QoQ vs 17.23 million in Q1 2025. In Q2 2025, the unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 percentage points to 3% QoQ

Malaysia welcomed 1.8 million Chinese tourists from Jan-May 2025. In 2023, 1.6 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia, followed by 3.4 million in 2024

The Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) have jointly launched the Sustainability Event Framework (SEF) during the EventXpo 2025 event, which was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 7 Aug. The SEF identified 8 core sustainability categories for events: F&B, Waste, Products and Materials, Energy, Freight and Logistics, Accommodation, Digital and Communications, and Travel to and from the event destination. The framework provides actionable examples across the categories. The SEF Assessment Matrix structures the 8 categories into two levels, with the first level focusing on four entry-level categories – F&B, Waste, Products and Materials, and Energy. Events scoring 10-20 points in these areas will receive the Certified Sustainable Event recognition. The second level incorporates the other four additional operational categories

The Tourism Ministry advised tourism companies to cooperate with licensed tourism entities and vehicles for the safety of tourists. The Ministry said companies operating tourism-related activities without a licence will face penalties. The Ministry, together with the Road Transport Department, Police, the National Registration Department, and the Penang Port Commission, conducted checks on 220 tourist vehicles, 200 tourism companies, 4 accommodation premises, and 67 tour guides. 24 notices for various offences were issued, including 5 notices to tourism businesses for operating without a valid licence, and 7 for using unlicensed vehicles to transport tourists

6,060 Malaysians renounced their citizenship for Singapore citizenship in H1 2025. 2024 recorded 16,930 citizenship renunciations vs 11,500 in 2023

Housing and Local Government Minister said the ministry will implement night-time cleaning in tourist hotspots such as Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor. The Minister said midnight cleaning has been implemented in cities like Shanghai, proven to reduce traffic disruptions during the daytime. Deep cleaning using waterjet systems will be implemented at selected locations to remove dust and grime. He announced plans to introduce electric garbage trucks in Malaysia as part of an effort to transition to a net-zero emissions economy

Taxi drivers who are authorised to ferry passengers across the Singapore-Johor border said they don’t have any passengers. Malaysian taxi drivers also said the same. Business is reportedly better during the weekends, but not by much. The drivers are facing competition from illegal cross-border operators who ferry passengers from their doorsteps to their destinations. The drivers said there used to be a long queue of customers before the pandemic. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) prohibits point-to-point taxi services outside its home country, but a transport economist from the Singapore University of Social Sciences said the customers want point-to-point services. Licensed cross-border taxi costs $60 SGD per trip, but based on the online rate, illegal operators charge $90 SGD upwards

The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) issued a warning to e-hailing providers to be “fair and equitable to all drivers” following a controversy where Grab charged a premium for Mandarin-speaking drivers. The option was criticised as it imposed a surcharge and over the risk of selecting drivers based on ethnicity

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur has received a 5-star mall rating on Dianping, China’s largest lifestyle site, and is the only mall in Peninsular Malaysia to receive the Popular Stores in the Shopping Mall 2025 award

The Ascott brand will open in Johor, its first major hospitality partnership since the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The 6th Ascott hotel in Malaysia will be known as the Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru. This development will be located in the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) within the JS-SEZ and connected to the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. Ascott and Coronade Properties signed the hotel management agreement in Singapore

Australia revised its travel advisory to the eastern parts of Sabah from “reconsider travel” (orange) to “high alert” (yellow). Australia’s Smarttraveller website advises visitors to “exercise a high degree of caution for mainland regions along the shoreline between Terusan to Tawau”, which includes to waterfront resorts and branches due to kidnapping risk. Australia still maintain its advice to reconsider travel to offshore islands, resorts, and dive sites of Eastern Sabah, Lankayan Islands, and Tawau due to kidnapping risk

BESarawak said that the 14th International Conference on Information Technology in Asia (CITA 2025) and the 29th International Conference on Asian Language Processing (IALP 2025) hosted in Kuching highlighted the importance of preserving the diversity of Asian languages within the development of artificial intelligence (AI). CITA 2025 was held from 5-6 Aug, and IALP 2025 from 4-6 Aug, at the Borneo Cultures Museum

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)’s flagship event, Malaysia Business Events Week (MBEW) 2025, was held from 4-6 Aug at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. The event featured the BE Exchange business-matching session, featuring over 450 delegates, 40 exhibitors, and 40 hosted buyers

The King said Malaysia considers Russia a “trusted and important” partner and is looking to foster closer relations together during his official state visit to Moscow on 6 Aug. This is the first time since both countries established diplomatic ties in 1967 that the head of state of Malaysia is visiting Russia

GrabCar clarified that their new feature, which allows users to select Mandarin-speaking drivers, was part of a limited test to support tourism growth in Malaysia, especially with 1.4 million Chinese arrivals from Jan-Apr 2025. This test was important to test the sustainability and demand among tourists. Grab paused the trial to review the findings and plan for future rollout

Oxford Economics research commissioned by Airbnb shows the platform contributed RM9.2 billion to the economy in Malaysia in 2024, 5% of the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP, and supported 93,600 jobs with RM2.1 billion in wages: 67% of Airbnb guests in Malaysia are domestic visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and the 33% of international guests doubled their share from 2022 Among the 33% international guests, 80% are from the Asia Pacific Airbnb guests’ spending recorded RM11 billion, including accommodation and non-accommodation expenses Guests stay for 2 days on average in Malaysia and spend an average of RM640 daily on non-accommodation expenses such as dining, shopping, and transport For every RM1,000 spend, RM290 goes to restaurants and shopping; RM160 on arts and entertainment; RM110 on groceries, and RM140 on transport Airbnb contributed RM1.4 billion in manufacturing, RM1.2 billion in transport and storage, RM1.2 billion in F&B services, and over RM1.0 billion in wholesale and retail trade Airbnb helped to support 37,200 jobs in F&B, 13,400 in wholesale and retail, 10,300 in transport and storage, and 9,700 in arts and entertainment In 2024, over 50% of Airbnb guest spending was recorded outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Airbnb recorded a +68% growth vs pre-pandemic in non-urban accommodation spending 62% of Airbnb’s total GDP contribution in Malaysia happened outside the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor area, helping to create 63,500 jobs and RM1.3 billion in wages

Business events will be an important component in achieving 35.6 million tourist arrivals and RM147 billion in total receipts during the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign and for 16% contributions to GDP during the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) period, according to the Deputy Prime Minister. In 2024, Malaysia recorded RM102.2 billion in foreign tourist expenditure. The Deputy Prime Minister said business delegates are high-value travellers who stay longer and spend more, and they also make repeat visits and often visit again with their families. In the last 10 years, Malaysia hosted 3,000 business events with over 1 million delegates and RM18 billion in economic impact

General Manager for Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur said the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit on 26 Oct and the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign are expected to bring benefits to the luxury hotel sector in Kuala Lumpur for the next 12 months. He added in 2024, 5-star luxury hotels and 5-star business hotels in Kuala Lumpur had a record-breaking year, and he expects this to continue in Oct and Nov. He said this after the opening ceremony of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur at the Merdeka 118 tower

Hartasuma Ropeways Sdn Bhd signed a financing partnership with Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) for RM367.2 million to construct the Penang Hill Cable Car project. Penang Chief Minister said the Penang Hill funicular service crossed 1 million ridership for 2025 on 25 Jul. The cable car system, designed to carry up to 1,400 passengers per hour, is expected to be completed and operational by early 2027. This project will create nearly 400 jobs

The Penang Government asked Hartasuma Sdn Bhd to conduct a feasibility study to construct a 2.5km cable car connecting the Botanic Gardens to Gurney Bay

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre won contracts to host 6 major international conferences, which will bring 6,150 delegates in 2026 and 2027, with an estimated RM77.5 million in economic benefit to Malaysia. The Global Health Security Conference 2026, Energy Tech Summit Asia 2026, and 85th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2027 are among the conferences it will host

The Tourism Minister said the proposal to nominate New Villages as a UNESCO Heritage Site needs study. He also said the state government’s agreement is needed before nominating the sites to UNESCO

Negeri Sembilan recorded 460,000 international tourist arrivals in 2024, +35.1% vs 340,000 in 2023 based on accommodation data. Negeri Sembilan ranked 6th out of 13 states and 3 Federal Territories. Negeri Sembilan Tourism EXCO said the top visitors are from Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, and India. Under the Pesona Daerah initiative, Taman Tasik Seremban welcomed 109,379 visitors, including 2,901 international tourists; Taman Malaysia recorded 109,379 visitors, including 342 foreigners, and X-Park Sendayan attracted 36,450 visitors, including 8,450 international visitors. Port Dickson is the top destination in the state, with the Ornamental Fish Centre welcoming 281,273 visitors, including 4,882 foreign tourists; the Army Museum, 200,061 visitors with 3,393 foreigners; and PD Ostrich Farm recorded 43,800 visitors, including 8,984 foreigners. Bukit Taisho in Bahau recorded 37,500 climbers, including 2,500 foreigners

Resort World Genting is increasing its marketing efforts in Singapore with special offers and gala events in conjunction with its 60th anniversary celebration, which coincides with Singapore’s 60th independence anniversary. The SG60 Gala Dinner will be held in partnership with WTS Travel on 25 Aug at the Genting International Convention Centre, exclusive for Genting Rewards Card members. Another 3D2N Resorts World Awana Gala Dinner Experience, exclusive for Singaporeans, will be held from 22-24 Nov. The package can be booked through WTS Travel, Transtar Travel, and EU Holidays. Genting recorded +10% growth in Singaporean arrivals. The Executive Vice President of Sales said Singaporeans usually prefer the Resort Hotel, but Crockfords Hotel, a more luxurious hotel with a Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star award, is getting more bookings as well. In Aug, Singaporean guests can get buy-one-free-one tickets to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park and use them before 14 Sep

Malaysia will roll out an advanced passenger screening system by the end of 2025 to prevent illegal entries at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The Home Minister said the system will involve 10 of the 56 airlines operating in Malaysia, and will allow immigration authorities to access passenger information before they arrive. He added that the autogates will minimise human interaction and fully digitise entry and exit points. The government will install 635 autogates at 123 entry points. Under the first phase, the autogates will be installed in key locations such as KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang airports, and at the Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Johor Bahru. The Home Ministry plans to purchase 614 body-worn cameras for immigration officers in Sep, pending approval, to address misconduct by enforcement officers

Melaka is ready to host the World Tourism Day (WTD) 2025 from 27-29 Sep. Melaka’s Tourism EXCO said they are finalising the program’s content, main venue selection, and invitations to international delegations. Tourism Ministers from various countries and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation members are expected to participate in the event. The World Tourism Conference will be held in a hotel in Melaka Raya. A multi-purpose performance centre in Kota Syahbandar will host the WTD 2025 Gala Dinner and the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026)

Sunway Lagoon launched the Wild Chase Water Coaster, the first hybrid water coaster system in Malaysia, with an investment of RM30 million. The ride is open daily from 10AM-6PM, and closed on Tuesday except during school and public holidays

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said travellers can expect heavy traffic at Singapore-Malaysia land checkpoints during the National Day weekend from 8-10 Aug. During the Jun school holidays, 525,000 travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints daily, +10% YoY. The highest single day crossing was recorded on 20 Jun, with 578,000 vs 562,000 recorded in Dec

The Johor Government and Singapore have discussed the possibility of cross-border e-hailing services, noting that it could ease traffic and provide income opportunities for local drivers

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore bus operators such as SBS Transit (SBST), SMRT, and other private operators are studying Malaysia’s request to start cross-border bus service operations from Johor Bahru one hour earlier. The Land Public Transport Agency are in talks with LTA on this matter. Johor Transportation EXCO said the long queues of passengers travelling to Singapore start at 4.00am at the Johor Bahru Checkpoint, and an early bus service will help to tackle the pre-dawn rush. SBST operates from Johor Bahru Checkpoint starting from 5.00AM on weekdays and 5.50AM on weekends or public holidays. SBST also operates from Larking Terminal, Johor Bahru and Queen Street Terminal, Jalan Besar, from 5.20AM on weekdays and 5.30AM on weekends or public holidays

The Land Transport Authority clarified that there are no plans to liberalise cross-border point-to-point transport via ride-hail services. LTA said they are considering allowing the use of ride-hailing apps to book cross-border trips on licensed taxis and increasing the number of boarding and alighting points in Singapore and Malaysia. Johor Chief Minister and Singapore’s Acting Transport Minister met to discuss cross-border service arrangements on 1 Aug, including allowing e-hailing. LTA said the current licensed fleet of up to 200 taxis from each country is allowed to ferry passengers between Johor Bahru and Singapore. LTA said they are assessing whether the operating times for cross-border buses can start from Johor Bahru at 4AM. LTA is considering that the timing should match the starting time for Singapore’s local bus and MRT services when the passengers from Malaysia arrive. LTA is exploring the possibility of bringing the bus start times earlier and has engaged with private bus operators on their interest in operating earlier services at higher fares. Public bus operators SBS Transit and SMRT are engaging with their captains on this request

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will expand the 40km Kepas Baru-Pasir Gudang (KBPG) line for passenger services by 2026. Currently, this route only serves freight services. The CEO of KTMB said this will help to disperse passengers along the north-south travel corridor with the launch of RTS services in Dec 2026, which will have a 10,000-passenger-per-hour per hour capacity and will increase footfall significantly. There is no confirmation when the proposed elevated autonomous rapid transit (ART) will start operating. The first of the KBPG line will introduce stops at Kempas Baru and Pasir Gudang, along the single-track line and under the second phase, more passenger stations will be introduced along the KBPG line. Pasir Gudang City Council expects 300,000 people will work at the Johor Port area by 2030, an increase from 260,000 in 2020. Commuters can access Bukit Chagar RTS via a 400m covered walkway from Johor Bahru (JB) Sentral. From Dec 2025, Electric Train Service (ETS) will start its operations connecting Padang Besar, Perlis to JB Sentral

Legoland Malaysia is looking to benefit ahead of the Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY 2026) campaign and cross-border activity within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Legoland Malaysia Resort Vice President said JS-SEZ will bring more people to the area as more companies set up or relocate to JS-SEZ, which will offer new opportunities to Legoland. He added Malaysia and Singapore account for 60% of the total visitors, and the remaining 40% are from Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Australia, and South Korea

Two tourists from Turkiye were reported missing after a sailing yacht capsized near Pulau Yu, Terengganu, on 29 Jul, while authorities rescued another victim after 25 hours. Terengganu Maritime Director said the yacht departed Pulau Tioman, Pahang, to Pattani, Thailand

“Madani Malaysia Week 2025” was held from 30 Jul-3 Aug in Hanoi, Vietnam. The highlight of the event was the Selera Malaysia, a Malaysian food festival, traditional music, and dance performances. The event will host a seminar on the “Visit Malaysia 2026” tourism campaign. The main event is scheduled for 2-3 Aug at Aeon Mall Long Bien. Malaysia recorded 336,000 tourists from Vietnam in 2024. In H1 2025, Malaysia recorded 168,000 Vietnamese arrivals. There were 167 direct flights per week between both countries as of Mar 2025

Tourism Malaysia and HONOR Technology signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to utilise artificial intelligence and global marketing trends in tourism promotions. Under the MoC, various initiatives, including photography competitions, guided photo tours, creative workshops, and art exhibitions, will be conducted across Malaysia. HONOR Malaysia will offer its AI-powered mobile technology to provide curated visual content, and Tourism Malaysia will provide access to important destinations, resources, and marketing support

The Tourism Minister said the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will transform the tourism sector into a high-income and sustainable sector. The 13MP project will create Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ) in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Sarawak to improve tourism offerings and attract both domestic and international investors. The Minister said 43 potential sites have been identified under STIZ. He added that tourism should be extended beyond major cities and should be inclusive of all people. The government will focus on homestay tourism, which will create additional income opportunities for rural communities. Under 13MP, 178 new aircraft will be introduced by 2030, which will expand international route capacity and increase flight frequencies across ASEAN

The Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA) signed an agreement with Hainan International Media Centre (HIMC) to promote Malaysia’s tourism industry and stimulate economic growth. BERNAMA Chairman said they will help to highlight popular destinations in Malaysia, such as Penang and Terengganu. The agreement was finalised under the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Cultural Cooperation Alliance, which will bring HIMC and several organisations such as BERNAMA, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, Nanyang Siang Pau, MILA University, the Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia, and the Malaysia ASEAN-China Economic and Trade Development Promotion Association. The alliance also will focus on institutions such as MILA University in Malaysia and the Lingshui Haifeng International Film and Television Base in Hainan, which will work with exchange programs, creative workshops, and training initiatives to support regional talent

The Kuching North City Hall plans to make the Kuching Waterfront the longest riverfront in Malaysia. The Mayor said the project extending from Sungai Bintangor to the Satok Bridge was part of an effort to place Kuching as a world-class tourist destination. He added that the Waterfront Project was part of urban transformation initiatives to make Kuching into an advanced and sustainable future. Kuching is also undertaking infrastructure projects such as an autonomous rail transit (ART) station at Hikmah Exchange and the Sungai Bintangor Bridge to improve the road network

The Tourism Minister said the revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program has generated RM839.9 million, including RM597.5 million in fixed deposit investments, RM237.2 million in property investments, and RM5.2 million in participation fees. The program received 3,019 applications from Oct 2024-Jun 2025, including 48 applications under Platinum, 137 under Gold, 2,434 under Silver and 400 under the Special Economic or Financial Zone category. 1,294 applicants received endorsement passes, including 19 in Platinum, 61 in Gold, 1,020 in Silver and 194 in the special zone category

The Prime Minister said the US President will announce a new tariff rate for Malaysian imports on 1 Aug. He added the President will attend the ASEAN Summit in Oct

The government will focus on a comprehensive green economy agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with an initiative to promote environmental sustainability and speed up Malaysia’s transition to low-carbon development. The Prime Minister said the green economy will serve as a development model to create sustainable economic opportunities. The National Carbon Market Policy will be introduced to streamline carbon trading, and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will be implemented with a provision of incentives for carbon credit projects. The government will launch a pilot carbon capture project in the iron and steel industry in Kemaman, Terengganu. He added that the government has drafted a Malaysian Aviation Sector Decarbonisation Roadmap to outline infrastructure development and the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The government will optimise agricultural waste to turn biomass into energy sources under the waste-to-energy plant programs

Malaysia is exploring close cooperation with Vietnam in the MICE industry to improve bilateral tourism and boost high-end business travel between the two countries. He asked Viettours to send proposals to high-end business travel and corporate incentive programs in Malaysia. He said that by working together with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), both countries can develop packages that blend business and leisure. He said Langkawi can host team-building retreats, adventure programs in Sabah, and medical or tech-focused meetings in Penang or Perak. Malaysia will host a MICE roadshow in Vietnam to promote B2B engagements and partnerships

TikTok Shop recorded 100 million general product searches daily. TikTok Shop Malaysia’s strategic partnerships director said they are “committed to accelerating Malaysia's digital economic growth by fostering an inclusive ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs with accessible solutions"

The Johor Government proposed to build a second Rapid Transit System (RTS) link connecting Tuas and Iskandar Puteri via the RTS2 system to improve cross-border mobility during a meeting with the Singapore Prime Minister and Johor Menteri Besar. Johor Meteri Besar said that through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, Johor has received more than 577 investment enquiries, with 70 investors showing serious interest, including 11 companies referred by Singapore investment agencies

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased its forecast for Malaysia’s GDP to 4.5% in 2025, 0.4 percentage points higher than the Apr 2025 WEO, and 4% in 2026, +0.2 percentage points

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) will add 2 additional Electric Train Service (ETS) on the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route during the second-term school holidays and National Day celebration (28 Aug-1 Sep); Maulidur Rasul (5-7 Sep); and Malaysia Day (12-21 Sep). These additional services will offer 630 seats daily, including business class, bringing the seats to 11,340 seats throughout the 18 days

The Second Finance Minister said the Government will not proceed with the High Value Goods Tax (HVGT). He added that the principle of HVGT has been embedded into the revised sales tax system, where luxury and discretionary items are now taxed at 5%-10%

Hwajing Travel & Tours launched its first international cruise fam trip with agents aboard Piano Land ahead of its homeport schedule starting 29 Nov from Penang and Port Klang

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will focus on 4 strategies to meet the tourist arrivals target for Visit Malaysia Year 2026: MOTAC will focus on key markets such as China, India, Australia, Indonesia, Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East, the UK, Chinese Taipei, and Germany. Malaysia will continue to focus on ASEAN as the main source of tourists New flight routes will be introduced to connect major Malaysian cities with international destinations under the International Aviation and Charter Sector Grant (GSPC) MOTAC will form a partnership with travel agencies, including online platforms, to develop travel packages Visa liberalisation plan helped to attract tourists from China and India

Resort World Genting will conduct public and business events to promote its popularity. Resort World Genting’s Executive Vice President said the Genting World Lion Dance Championship is one of the examples of events to promote the resort. The 15th edition of the competition was held in Jul and welcomed teams from all over the world. He added that Resort World Genting’s Intellectual Property (IP) events, such as Genting Sustainbiz, have a positive impact on business meetings. The second edition of Genting Sustainbiz will be held in Sep. They also hosted the Genting Culinary Classic event in Mar and the competitions on 10-11 Jun

The Sabah Tourism Board organised an engagement session for Tawau’s tourism players. Sabah Tourism Minister highlighted Tawau’s appeal as an eco-tourism destination, including Tawau Hills Park, which offers tropical trees and rare species and has opportunities to attract nature photographers

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department is working to extinguish wildfires affecting over 88 hectares of land in Miri. The Environment Department website shows the air pollution index (API) at 12 stations in Sarawak was at 53 and 74 levels

IslamiCruise International Sdn Bhd (ICI) signed an MoU with 26 Aroya Cruise Link Agents (ACLA), in conjunction with the launch of 3D2N AROYA Cruise Package from Port Klang-Langkawi. ACLA will promote halal concept cruises from a syariah-compliant perspective

The Tourism Ministry (MOTAC) allocated RM72 million for 77 projects to boost tourism in Sabah. The Deputy Minister of MOTAC said one of the projects is the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang, Mount Kinabalu. He added that 4 other major projects are ongoing in Kinabatangan, Lok Kawi, Sipadan, and Manukan

The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) reported power abuse and procedural weaknesses in issuing medical visas by Immigration Department officers. EAIC referred this matter to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) and recommended charges against the perpetrators

Police, Immigration, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall officials conducted a joint operation in the vicinity of KLCC to crack down on photo touts. Almost 30 photographers were fined RM2,000

Bank Negara projects Malaysia’s economy to expand by 4%-4.8% in 2025, down from the earlier forecast of 4.5%-5.5%. Headline inflation is expected to average between 1.5%-2.3% in 2025

The Malaysian Foreign Minister stated that Thailand and Cambodia have assented to Malaysia acting as a mediator in their border conflict and that the Cambodian PM and the acting Thai PM are expected to meet in Malaysia on 28 Jul evening. The death toll stands at 30, including 13 civilians, on the fourth day of fighting

The Transport Ministry is planning to offer basic language and driver etiquette training for taxi drivers ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) contribution incentive will be extended from 10% to 30% for the drivers

The Tourism Minister warned against the misuse of dive permits, tour guide credentials. and travel agency approvals. He commented on the recent clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, Sabah. Initial findings suggest that an air tank improperly placed on the boat deck dropped and injured the instructor’s foot, and the dispute became a physical confrontation. He said the instructor was arrested and the authorities are working to investigate the case transparently

Bank Indonesia’s Riau Islands Provincial Office reported that from Jan-May 2025, Malaysian visitors made 5,920 QRIS cross-border transactions, Singaporeans made 1,252 transactions, and Thai tourists made 62 transactions. Bank Indonesia’s data shows that in 2025, Gen Z comprises 27.94% of total users in QRIS transactions

The Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival 2025 in Tuaran, Sabah, attracted 100 sailors from 16 countries. Sabah Chief Minister added that the state offers various sailing experiences on top of its popular ecotourism sites such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Tourism Malaysia’s Northern Region Office introduced a 3D2N Rahmah tourism package in Langkawi for RM500. The office launched this package in collaboration with local tourism operators to support the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign and set the stage for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The package will include 3D2N accommodation and 5 curated experiences with a focus on holistic health tourism. The package will promote physical wellness and emotional well-being. The activities included in the package are visits to Maha Tower and the Langkawi National Art Gallery, island-hopping via jet ski, and marine foraging experiences such as catching sea cucumbers and crabs. He added that this package will appeal to Indian and the Middle East tourists

An enforcement officer was arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 for collaborating with immigration officers and syndicates to allow entry for foreigners without valid documents. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) Monitoring and Integrity Unit made the arrest after CCTV footage showed suspicious behaviour of the officer at the entry checkpoint counter. The officer had RM8,391 in cash, 3 communication devices, and several notes with passport numbers, which are believed to arrange the entry and exit of individuals illegally. The officer was handed over to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)

Tourism Selangor CEO welcomed the additional holiday on 15 Sep. She said this will help to drive domestic tourism with a long weekend and asked tourism players to offer unique packages to attract tourists. She added that the Selangor Travel Fair 2025 will be held from 26-27 Jul at Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur, and the event is expected to attract 300,000 visitors

Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 has been launched by the Health Minister with the theme “Healing Meets Hospitality” to attract more international medical tourists. The Minister said Malaysia recorded 1.6 million medical tourists in 2024 and generated RM2.72 billion in revenue, +21% YoY. The Medical Tourism Industry has the potential to generate RM12-RM15 billion by 2030 through spillover benefits to airlines, hotels, transport, and local communities. The highlight of FMTH will be the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) program. 4 hospitals such as Institute Jantung Negara, Island Hospital Penang, Mahkota Medical Centre, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre are in the final assessment stage

Advito, a corporate travel consulting group, released the Q3 Travel Price Index for business travel across the Asia Pacific. Airfares from Asia to Europe recorded a moderate increase for both business (+2% YoY) and economy (+1% YoY), but fares to North America recorded a slight drop. This was attributed to the global economic slowdown, which is affecting outbound travel from Asia. Airfares from India are decreasing. In Asia, domestic and regional economy class airfares are recording a downward trend, due to a softening of demand in India, and strong capacity growth in China and Japan. Meanwhile, business class airfares are recording a +1% YoY. Hotel rates in Asia recorded +1% YoY. The countries that recorded strong growth in average daily rates (ADR) are Japan (+5% YoY), Thailand (+10% YoY), Taiwan (+4% YoY), Hong Kong (+8% YoY), and Malaysia (+16% YoY). A few markets recorded a drop in ADR, such as China (-1% YoY), India (-2% YoY), Vietnam (-4% YoY), and South Korea (-5% YoY). Occupancy levels recorded a YoY increase in all regions except Asia

The Prime Minister announced all Malaysians will receive RM100 under the Sara program in conjunction with Merdeka Day. He said this initiative will benefit 22 million Malaysians with an allocation of RM2 billion. 4,100 outlets across the country will participate in this program from 31 Aug to 31 Dec. He added the overall inflation in Jun 2025 dropped to 1.1%, the lowest in 52 months, but food and beverage prices continue to increase above the national average

Sabah MATTA Chairman said the additional holiday on 15 Sep will be good for hotels and F&B in terms of sales, but it could impact SME productivity

Tourism Malaysia said the RM50 million grant allocated by the Federal Government is almost used up following a strong response from the industry players and event organisers. RM20 million was allocated under the Tourism Sector Support Grant (GSSP), and RM30 million was allocated under the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK). Tourism Malaysia Southern Region Deputy Director expressed confidence that the grants will be continued next year and urged more organisers to apply before the end of 2025

Melaka and Sri Lanka will improve cooperation in tourism, culture, education, and investment. The Foreign Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka held discussions on this with the Melaka Governor

Malaysia and Xinjiang, China, are exploring opportunities in 2-way tourism, with a focus on premium travel offerings, educational, adventure tourism, durian-themed tours, and Muslim-friendly travel. The Tourism Minister met with representatives from Xinjiang Tourism, CYTS Xinjiang, Xinjiang Da Xi Bu Travel Service, and the Xinjiang Tourism Association. He said they are exploring potential collaboration in educational and adventure travel in a meeting with CYTS Xinjiang. CYTS is focusing on winter packages to Singapore and Malaysia, with peak demand expected during the Chinese New Year period