KUALA LUMPUR: Tourists from Singapore, Indonesia, China and Thailand made up the highest number of tourists that visited Malaysia from January to June 2025, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said a total of 10,288,256 tourists from Singapore visited Malaysia during this period, marking a 22.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
There was also an 8.2% increase in the number of tourists from Indonesia, with 2,197,288 this year compared to 2,031,111 last year.
Tourists from China recorded the highest increase with 2,178,857 between January to June this year compared to 1,607,413 during the same period last year, a whopping 35.6% increase.
"Our advertisement and promotion efforts are not solely focused on one market but instead tailored according to the potential and size of the market.
"Promotional activities will also be focused on digital and social media platforms especially in high-potential markets," he said when winding up debates on the 13th Malaysia Plan on Tuesday (Aug 19).
He said the ministry also focuses on the Muslim-friendly tourism segment, noting its potential.
This includes efforts carried out through the Islamic Tourism Centre, aimed at developing and promoting Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality.
He also stressed the ministry's commitment to develop community-based tourism through homestay experience programmes.
"Here, locals can be trained to empower their local economies and introduce their culture and heritage to both local and foreign tourists," he said, adding that the state government must also be proactive in identifying communities that can be developed.
