IPOH: Malaysia is strengthening its tourism strategy by focusing on high-performing markets such as China, Indonesia, Japan and India to sustain growth in visitor arrivals.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man said, besides that Tourism Malaysia was also targeting long-haul markets such as Russia, Germany and Australia.
He said the country’s tourism sector continues to maintain positive momentum.
“In 2025, Malaysia recorded the arrival of 42.2 million international visitors, an increase of 11.2% compared to 38 million visitors in 2024.
“As of May this year, the country has welcomed 17.5 million visitors, a 3.4% increase from 16.9 million during the same period last year.
“This strong performance demonstrates that Malaysia is on a solid path to sustaining its positive tourism momentum in 2026,” he said in his speech before Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad launched the Festival Budaya Malaysia here on Saturday (June 27).
Chiew said the ministry would also continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to address operational challenges and rising cost pressures.
“This commitment will undoubtedly support the Perak state government’s target of attracting 11.6 million visitors this year, comprising 10.5 million domestic visitors and 1.1 million international visitors,” he said.
He also said the ministry has allocated RM44.19mil to implement 13 tourism and cultural development projects across Perak.
“The allocation comprises RM42.8mil for six major development projects and RM1.39mil for seven maintenance and tourism facility upgrading projects aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism infrastructure.
“Among the major projects are the conservation of the iconic Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, the upgrading of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation’s Perak branch building, and improvements to Kinta Riverwalk in Ipoh,” he said.
Saarani, in his speech, said culture should no longer be viewed merely as a form of entertainment or nostalgia, but as a key economic driver that creates income and employment opportunities for the people.
He said the economic value of culture is clearly reflected in the continued growth of Perak’s tourism sector, which recorded more than 10.4 million domestic overnight tourists and over 23.6 million domestic visitors in 2025.
He stressed that the state’s success should not be measured solely by visitor numbers, but by the economic benefits enjoyed by local communities.
“Tourism has generated business for hotels through increased bookings, boosted patronage at restaurants, created opportunities for small traders and led to more orders for local handicraft producers.
“The spillover has also benefited tour guides and e-hailing drivers, while encouraging more young people to see culture as a viable source of income.
“Highlighting Perak’s diverse attractions, the government pointed to Ipoh’s rich heritage, arts and culinary offerings, the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, the prehistoric treasures of the Lenggong Valley, the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve and Pangkor Island as among the state’s unique assets,” he added.
