Malaysia launches 2026 tourism campaign

Malaysia on January 6 launched the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), which focuses on two core pillars – high yield and sustainable tourism.

Malaysia on January 6 launched the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), which focuses on two core pillars – high yield and sustainable tourism.

Speaking at the launch of the VM2026 campaign, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing said that these reflect the country’s commitment to offering meaningful experiences while protecting the country's unique treasures.

To achieve this, Malaysia have identified three main strategies, namely increasing tourist arrivals by converting short visits into extended stays; extending length of stay by enriching cultural and ecotourism experiences, empowering local communities, and improving infrastructure; as well as encouraging higher spending by promoting niche tourism experiences, the official stated.

malaysia.jpg
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre) and cabinet members at the launching ceremony of Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign on January 6 (Photo: Bernama)

Tiong said he believes that VM2026 will help spur growth, create jobs and improve living conditions for local communities. He called on every Malaysian, especially tour guides, business owners, and artists to share the stories, culture and hospitality of Malaysia with the world.

The VM2026 campaign is the Malaysian Government's initiative to promote the country as the main tourism destination, aiming to attract 35.6 million visitors and generate 147.1 billion RM (32.5 billion USD) in revenue.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that every state and district had its own strengths to attract visitors, adding that Malaysia's efforts to successfully organise ASEAN conferences in 2025 will make it a tourist destination this year and next year in particular.

The Malaysian leader hopes that all members of the Cabinet will focus on enhancing capabilities in the fields of tourism, investment and economy, with the involvement of all states through the VM2026 campaign/.

World

Thai cabinet approves carbon tax to curb emissions
World

Thai cabinet approves carbon tax to curb emissions

The Thai cabinet approved a carbon tax of 200 THB (5.9 USD) per tonne of carbon emissions on January 21, as part of the country’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul.

Japan strengthens commitment to Southeast Asia
World

Japan strengthens commitment to Southeast Asia

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on January 10 met with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to the Southeast Asian country, pledging to enhance cooperation in addressing urgent regional and international challenges, including tensions in the East Sea, the Middle East, and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

Thai PM calls for extra efforts to address PM2.5 air pollution
World

Thai PM calls for extra efforts to address PM2.5 air pollution

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed ministries and departments to accelerate efforts to tackle PM2.5 air pollution, particularly through halting the purchase of burnt sugarcane, cracking down on vehicles that emit smoke, and strictly controlling construction sites.

Indonesia confirms cases of HMPV
World

Indonesia confirms cases of HMPV

Indonesian Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin on January 7 confirmed the detection of cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country, but assured the public that the disease is not dangerous.