KUALA LUMPUR: The public can help leave a lasting impression on millions who arrive on Malaysian shores by keeping the country clean and making tourists feel welcome, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister called on Malaysians to play their part by keeping public spaces clean and continuing the country's culture of courtesy and hospitality.
"First, help maintain cleanliness so that when tourists visit, they will see a clean and prosperous Malaysia.
"We should continue to preserve and strengthen our culture of courtesy and good manners so that tourists feel welcome. Then, of course, they will return. That is very important," he said after opening the Asean Real Estate Conference (Arec) 2026 and Archidex 2026 here on Thursday (July 30).
Nga said Malaysia is on track to exceed its target of 40 million tourist arrivals this year after recording 10.7 million arrivals in the first quarter, making it the most visited country in Asia for the first time.
He said the encouraging figures put Malaysia in a strong position to achieve an even bigger milestone this year.
Nga added that with a packed calendar of international sporting events in early October, including the Formula One Grand Prix, Le Tour de Langkawi and the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, Malaysia was well-placed to surpass its tourism target.
"We are not only confident of achieving our tourist arrival target, but also exceeding it, making tourism the country's second-largest source of income," he said.
However, Nga noted that the achievement would require the support of all Malaysians, beginning with something as simple as keeping public spaces clean.
