KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 - From January until June this year, Malaysia has welcomed 11.8 million foreign tourists with a total increase of 28.9 percent compared to the previous year.

The total international tourism revenue generated is RM40.4 billion showing an increase of 50.8 percent.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said that based on the Department of Statistics Malaysia report, domestic tourism in Malaysia recorded a total of 58.6 million visitors in the first quarter of 2024, a surge of 19 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

“To further enhance this positive performance, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will continue to collaborate closely with all stakeholders including state governments and industry players to develop and promote a tourism industry that is attractive, high-quality and safe”, he said in the Parliament today, responding to a question from Senator Micheal Mujah Lihan.

Meanwhile, MOTAC aims to attract approximately 35.6 million tourists to the country in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, with the tourism income expected to reach RM147.1 billion.

King Sing said the ministry will continue to boost tourism activities and enhance its promotion through digital platforms and social media.

“MOTAC is committed to utilise visa-free facilities to attract more international tourist especially from countries like China and India,” he said in a response to a supplementary question from Senator Micheal Mujah Lihan, who sought to know MOTAC’s targeted number of international tourist in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 and the initiatives implemented to ensure its success.

He stated that one of the primary strategies is to develop and promote high-impact tourism products including wedding, health, sports and ecotourism.

He added that the cooperation between state and federal governments as well as local authorities, is expected to assist in upgrading and providing facilities in tourism areas.