The RM935mil allocated to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry will ensure that the Visit Malaysia campaign, which has been extended to next year, will continue to attract more visitors to Malaysia.
Tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during Budget 2027 on Oct 9, the budget is a RM235mil increase from last year’s allocation, which was slightly over RM700mil.
The Ecological Fiscal Transfer fund has also been increased to RM270mil, meant to boost community-based ecotourism projects. In Terengganu, tourist attractions like Setiu Wetlands, Tasik Kenyir, Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Bidong will be upgraded to drive the state’s ecotourism growth.
Tourism infrastructure at heritage sites with potential for Unesco recognitions, such as Danum Valley in Sabah, Lembah Bujang in Kedah and Taman Negara Pahang, will also be upgraded.
Also announced during the tabling is the International and Charter Flight Matching Grant, which will be provided to introduce new direct flights from China, India, Central Asia and Europe.
Stephane Thong, general manager, Trip.com Malaysia, says that what stands out to the travel platform is “… where the RM935mil proposed for tourism and culture is directed: new direct flight routes, support for industry players to promote and organise tourism events, and better tourism facilities around the country.”
Thong adds that this will make Malaysia more accessible, giving travellers more reasons to visit.
Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel, national president of Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) and president of Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF), says that the allocated budget should be prioritised for “…improving tourism infrastructure, accessibility, cleanliness, public transportation, last-mile connectivity, safety and the maintenance of existing tourist attractions”.
He adds that improvement in these “fundamental areas” will encourage return visits from tourists.
He also remarks on the duty-free purchase limit in Labuan and Langkawi, Kedah which has been increased to RM10,000. This limit is applicable to both domestic and international visitors, with the condition that they must stay in either destination for a minimum of 48 hours.
Calling this a “positive initiative”, he says that this can strengthen both the duty-free islands’ attractiveness as shopping tourism destinations.
However, he also thinks that Langkawi in particular needs to up its game. “Langkawi must reposition itself beyond conventional duty-free shopping and develop into a premium island tourism and shopping destination,” he says.
Muhammad Faisal Asyraff Radzuan, 29, from Kuala Lumpur agrees with this statement. “To attract more visitors, both islands need to offer more enjoyable experiences, good accessibility, attractive local food and activity options that would suit different budgets,” he says.
Regina Chua, 38, from Sabah, thinks that the duty-free limit increase will be especially helpful for Labuan. “It will encourage more tourists, especially Sabahans, to visit the island,” she says.
As for the grant for new direct flights, Chua applauds this effort and hopes that there will be more direct services from Kota Kinabalu to international destinations as well.
Muhammad Faisal is similarly excited for this and hopes to one day visit Beijing, China. “I'm fascinated by its rich imperial history and unique traditional architecture,” he explains.
Nurul Syafwanie Sarifuddin, 26, from Setia Alam, Selangor, thinks that having more direct flights will make travelling more convenient and help save time. She adds, “I’m personally looking forward to visiting London because I’d love to explore its iconic landmarks, experience the British culture and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.”
