PETALING JAYA: Traveller safety and outdated facilities remain pressing issues that could undermine Malaysia’s tourism ambitions if left unaddressed, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said many attractions lack basic infrastructure upgrades, particularly in destinations frequented by repeat visitors.
“Some foreign visitors tell us that when they came 10 years ago, the facilities were like this, and 10 years later, nothing has changed,” he added.
While Malaysia has produced promotional videos showcasing its attractions, Tiong said many potential visitors have never seen these destinations due to limited marketing reach.
“Our promotion is still not enough. Agencies tell us the same thing – that the promotional budget is insufficient and that we also need cooperation from other countries.
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“When we go to each state, I tell them they must be aggressive. But after that, the states must continue promoting themselves. You cannot just wait for the federal government to do everything,” he added.
On safety, Tiong raised concerns over recurring incidents in Sabah, citing about 27 tourist deaths linked to weak safety standards.
“Some boats had no life jackets. Some divers had no licences but were still allowed to dive. These are serious issues,” he said, adding that the problems often stem from tour guides and agencies renting out licences.
He said he has raised the matter with Sabah’s new tourism minister and stressed the need for stricter enforcement.
“We must clean this up. Tourists must feel safe and happy so they leave with good memories of Malaysia,” he said.
