11.8 mln foreign tourists recorded from Jan to June

KUCHING: Malaysia welcomed 11.8 million foreign tourists and generated RM45.4 billion in revenue in the first half of 2024, according to Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Tiong credited this success to the proactive efforts by the Ministry, particularly in targetting key markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and India.

He shared these insights during the National Committee on Tourism and Culture Development (JKPPK) Meeting No. 1/2024 held on Monday.

The meeting was attended by 102 participants, including Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, deputy ministers, and state executive council members.

Key topics of discussion, according to Tiong, included the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme and preparations for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

“We are focusing on improving basic facilities and cleanliness at tourist destinations, rest areas, and expanding programmes that highlight our culture, arts, and heritage. Additionally, we plan to host more international-standard tourism events,” Tiong said in a Facebook post today (Sept 11).

MOTAC also announced updates to the MM2H application requirements and agent licensing processes.

The VM2026 campaign, themed “Malaysia: A Sustainable and Culturally Rich Destination,” aims to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists and generate RM147 billion in tourist spending.

“Therefore, MOTAC remains committed to working closely with state governments and calls on all parties to provide support and constructive suggestions to strengthen and advance the national tourism industry,” added Tiong.