KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded 32.3 million international visitor arrivals in the first nine months of this year, a 2.4% increase from the 31.5 million recorded during the same period last year.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the growth reflected continued efforts by the government to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination amid global challenges.
"This achievement reflects positive growth in international visitor arrivals despite global challenges, including the political situation in the Middle East, which continues to affect international flight routes," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 5).
He added that international tourist arrival figures recorded by the Immigration Department are based on the country's entry points rather than the states visited by tourists.
Datuk Verdon Bahanda (Ind-Kudat) had asked for international tourist arrival figures during Visit Malaysia 2026.
Tiong said his ministry would look into areas where it could help upgrade public facilities to improve tourists' experiences.
Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) had sought clarification on how the ministry coordinated with state governments, local authorities and other ministries to ensure that basic tourism facilities, including public toilets, signboards, public transport, parking facilities and internet connectivity were adequately maintained.
"Several of the issues raised, including infrastructure and Internet connectivity, fall outside my ministry's jurisdiction. However, we will look into areas where we can provide assistance," Tiong replied.
He added that discussions could be held with the Housing and Local Government Ministry on upgrading facilities such as public toilets.
He said his ministry was keen to see tourism infrastructure improved and would continue working with state governments to develop tourist destinations.
