PETALING JAYA: The government’s move to promote local tourism is a step in the right direction as it will also boost the food and beverage (F&B) sector, says Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association president Wong Teu Hoon.
He said whenever Malaysians travel, food naturally becomes part of the journey, benefiting hawkers, traditional coffee shops and restaurants nationwide.
“When locals travel, dining out is inevitable. This will lift the business of roadside stalls, eateries and restaurants, especially in tourist hotspots such as Melaka and Penang,” said Wong, who is also president of the Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs Association.
Under Budget 2026, the government announced a special individual income tax relief of up to RM1,000 for spending on entry fees to local tourist attractions and cultural programmes, aimed at promoting domestic travel in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Wong said the measure, coupled with visa-free entry for foreign visitors, will further boost the F&B sector.
“Continuous long weekends and the inflow of tourists will keep the industry vibrant.
“When people travel and can even claim part of their spending, they are more willing to eat out and spend,” he said.
He said foreign visitors, in particular, will give a significant lift to eateries as they prefer dining out to experience local cuisine.
Malaysia’s domestic travel in the first half of 2025 was driven by strong local demand, particularly in the restaurant, hotel and transport sectors.
Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners’ Association president Datuk J. Govindasamy said increased domestic travel will help local eateries thrive.
“People have been hesitant to travel due to various taxes and costs, so this initiative makes it more affordable.
“Malaysians will also end up spending on meals that suit their preferred tastes, whether Malay, Indian or Chinese.
“But at the same time, we urge the government to expedite the approval of foreign workers needed for the industry, as we must train them in local customs and cooking methods,” he said.
He said in conjunction with VM2026, restaurants are sprucing up their premises, including installing air-conditioning units and introducing new menus.
