Raven Kumar (front row, centre) with tour guides and boat operators who received the contribution from the state government. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR has the potential to attract some 15 million visitors in conjunction with Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026) next year, says state unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar.
While the state government’s target for tourist arrivals remained at 12 million, he said the figure would very likely be higher with good collaboration from all groups.
“Our target is 12 million, but if we work hard as a team, I am sure we can achieve more.
“Just like the state’s impressive performance in attracting investments, which came from hard work, we can see a similar impressive performance in the tourism sector.
“We have to continue pushing hard even after achieving the 12 million target,” he told the media after presenting the Bantuan Kasih Johor financial aid to some 1,000 tour guides and boat operators at Menara MBJB.
Raven Kumar said the aid, which was among the initiatives announced under Johor Budget 2026, was a way for the state government to ensure Johoreans benefit from the state’s high revenue.
“They will be receiving the financial aid in two phases.
“We have distributed RM200 each this time, and another RM200 will be presented next year.
“We are not just giving cash aid to those in the tourism sector, but also in all other sectors, including in agriculture and even for students.
“This is a way for us to give back and share with the people, particularly Johoreans, the substantial revenue and income we have received,” he said.
Lim says it is the first time all groups were given financial aid.
Among those who received the financial aid was tour guide Lim Kian Soon, 49, who said he was grateful to the state government for the contribution.
“I think this is the first time the state government is distributing aid to everyone, including tour guides, and I am very grateful for it.
“Previously, such contributions were presented only to specific groups, but this time we all get to enjoy it, and I see this as good motivation for all,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments was 60-year-old S. Janagiraman, who has been a tour guide for over nine years.
“I am happy to be here, and it is nice to see appreciation and a token of love for us tour guides who have been working hard to improve ourselves and have continuously been promoting the state.
“Johor has a lot of potential, and I believe the state will be able to see more visitors coming next year, especially with efforts to develop and upgrade tourism spots statewide,” he said.
Janagiraman is glad for the token of appreciation shown to tour guides.
During VJ2026 launch at Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state aimed to attract 12 million tourists next year with projected economic returns exceeding RM42bil for the state.
The state was also expected to organise over 60 international events in conjunction with VJ2026, with the aim that it would encourage visitors to return to Johor multiple times.
Tourism Johor director Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim said among the events scheduled for next year is the International Kite Festival, expected to attract more than 500,000 visitors and over 50 teams from across the globe.
Speaking at the same event, he said currently, there were between 60 and 100 events of international standard in the pipeline.
“This will allow tourists to not only enjoy the tourism products we offer, including those involving ecotourism or edu-tourism, but also the variety of events waiting for them next year,” he said.
He added that Tourism Johor was also currently working with celebrities and influencers to promote all districts across the state through the Jelajah Majestic Johor initiative.
“We have begun our promotional and marketing efforts since last month, visiting districts one by one to showcase the tourism products they have to offer.
“We are certain that there are many hidden gems in Johor, and it is important for us to highlight them to tourists, as this will allow them to have a better idea of places to visit.
“On top of that, we are also promoting famous and unique food Johor has to offer in all districts,” he said, adding that this included laksa Johor, kacang pool and mee rebus.
