Tiong appreciates PM Anwar chairing tourism sector meeting 

by FAREZZA HANUM RASHID

TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE MINISTER Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for chairing the recent meeting on the direction of the tourism sector despite a packed work schedule.

During the meeting, Tiong presented the tourism sector’s plans to attendees consisting of various ministries who are also stakeholders in the sector.

As per the Budget 2024 announcement, the government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) will organise Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), which will focus on sustainable tourism and increasing tourism income – attracting more high-spending or “high-yield” tourists to the country.

The government is also committed to implementing the Visa Liberalisation Plan, and the issue of tourist safety is also emphasised. 

All ministries are also mobilised to play a role in making the upcoming VM2026 a success.

The outcome of this meeting will be monitored through the Tourism and Culture Cabinet Committee (JKPK) which will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Anwar, during the meeting, expressed hope that the country’s tourism sector will continue to excel.

Also present were Motac Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and Motac’s top management.