KL, JB ranked among Asia's most popular repeat-visit destinations
KUALA LUMPUR (KL) and Johor Bahru (JB) have been named among Asia's top 10 destinations with the highest number of repeat visitors, according to travel platform Agoda's latest ranking for the first half of 2025 (1H25).
The capital remains a favourite for returning travellers thanks to its mix of cosmopolitan atmosphere and unique cultural heritage, featuring diverse cuisine, world-class shopping malls and iconic modern landmarks.
JB, meanwhile, is gaining recognition as a leisure destination, offering family-friendly attractions, lifestyle activities and convenient transport links.
Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Bali and Osaka topped the list, followed by Taipei, KL Da Nang, JB and Hong Kong (HK).
Agoda's Malaysia and Brunei country director Fabian Teja said the inclusion of both Malaysian cities alongside other regional destinations demonstrates their lasting strength and appeal as urban holiday spots.
He added that the trend also reflects travellers' growing interest in revisiting familiar places.
'These destinations prove that one visit is not enough, prompting many travelers to return to their favourite destinations.
'They return to explore places they haven't been to yet, visit locations they miss or simply enjoy the comforts that are close to their hearts.
'Agoda data shows that many travellers are returning to the same destinations over and over again in the first six months of this year, reflecting the extraordinary appeal of these places,' he said in a statement.
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Malaysia and Bangladesh to collaborate on halal products for global market
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Borneo Post
an hour ago
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Paradise under pressure: Semporna's tourism boom bites back
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Stalls selling tourist souvenirs line the busy Dragon Inn lane in Semporna. — Malay Mail photo Local businesses being squeezed out Many long-standing business owners say they are being edged out by tour operators and enterprises linked to China. These operators often control the entire tourist experience — from transport and meals to accommodation — leaving little room for local enterprises to tap into the spending. 'You see a lot of tourists. Maybe about half the people you see around town are tourists. But the income does not reflect a surge in business. 'Tourists are coming, yes, but they eat at their own restaurants, stay in their own hotels, buy souvenirs from their own shops,' said a local Chinese shop owner who only wanted to be known as Wong. By 'their', he meant Chinese-owned businesses. Locals claim the rapid proliferation of such outlets is reshaping the town's commercial identity and determining who profits. Fruit stands like this can be found every 50 metres in Semporna. — Malay Mail photo Government authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and the local district office, insist no licences of any kind have been granted to foreign nationals, and on paper, the businesses are legitimate. According to locals, many Chinese owners operate through Malaysian 'partners' who serve as proxies, often in name only. The tourism boom has also driven up property prices, with rents at newer shoplots climbing sharply. In town, convenience stores, juice stalls, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir outlets — selling items such as bird's nest and dried seafood — now dominate the streetscape. Older parts of town still house sundry shops and local eateries such as mamaks. 'We just can't compete with the high rent and low margins. Some of the older restaurants and shops have already closed,' Wong said. Tiong joins enforcement officers on a sea patrol in Tawau to inspect boats for valid permits and safety compliance. — Photo from Facebook/Dato Seri Tiong King Sing Illegal operations uncovered in Tawau The issue of foreign-linked tourism businesses operating outside legal bounds isn't confined to Semporna. In nearby Tawau, a recent joint enforcement operation led by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing uncovered several tour companies — previously believed to be locally owned — that were in fact run by Chinese investors and linked to illegal activities. These included unlicensed overwater chalets, aquaculture farms without approval, and homestays built on agricultural or livestock land. 'I have received numerous complaints about irregularities and illegal activities at tourist sites, which are damaging the safety reputation of Malaysia's tourism industry,' Tiong said in a statement on Facebook. He warned that operating without proper certification posed serious safety and management risks, and could lead to tragedy if accidents occur. While welcoming foreign investment in tourism, he stressed it must be done legally and in full compliance with Malaysian laws. 'Welcoming investors does not mean turning a blind eye. Whether they are from China or anywhere else, those involved in illegal activities, malpractice or the misuse of rental licences to evade the law will not be tolerated,' he said. During the Tawau operation, enforcement teams inspected 30 buses and tourist vehicles, 15 tourism business premises, 40 boats and four jetties, issuing nine summonses. Sea patrols found some vessels over capacity, without valid permits or carrying unverified documents. Roadblocks were also set up to check bus permits and driving licences. Tiong has urged local authorities to act swiftly, investigate suspicious operations, and shut down businesses operating without valid licences. With no designated main jetty, boat operators use any available docking area. — Malay Mail photo Infrastructure falling behind Semporna's infrastructure, designed for a much smaller population, is struggling to cope. Power and water shortages occur, and rubbish piles up faster than it can be collected. 'The town just isn't ready for this many people every day,' said dive guide Tommy Abdullah. 'The rubbish is out of control, and the sewer smell is everywhere. The authorities can't keep up.' Locals say existing systems cannot sustain more development, even as new projects are planned. At a recent Sabah State Assembly sitting, Sulabayan assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong said Semporna lacks a proper tourist jetty despite its growing popularity. Without a proper tourism jetty, boats in Semporna dock haphazardly along the waterfront. — Malay Mail photo 'Semporna is already considered an international tourist attraction. But our tourism jetty is still made of wood. 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Local businesswoman Noorlita says the town cannot sustain the tourism boom on its own. — Malay Mail photo Calls for responsible tourism and regulation Despite the challenges, many residents still welcome tourism — but say it must be managed responsibly. As Semporna becomes more reliant on the Chinese market, locals are calling for regulation and enforcement — from proper licensing of businesses to environmental protection and fairer distribution of benefits. 'The government needs to step in,' said Norlita Mohd Musa, who runs a shop selling local seafood specialities and general goods. 'We're not saying 'no tourists.' We want more tourists. We're saying 'let's do this in a way that helps our town, our people'… otherwise what is the point?' she said. 'This is our home,' said Hidayah Suhaimi, who runs a souvenir stall near Dragon Inn. 'We were here before the tourists, and we will be here for a long time. So we want it to grow, but not at the expense of everything else.' lead Semporna Tiong King Sing tourism boom
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Brighter outlook likely for Wilmar International in 2H25
CIMB Research said the planter pointed out that refining margins in Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to remain challenging. PETALING JAYA: CIMB Research expects crude palm oil (CPO) prices to hold steady, supported by Indonesia's biodiesel policy and limited production growth. The research house shared that Wilmar International Ltd has guided for a favourable plantation outlook in the second half of financial year 2025 (2H25), underpinned by firm CPO prices, steady fresh fruit bunches (FFB) growth, and stable crushing margins. However, CIMB Research said during Wilmar's second quarter of financial year 2025 results briefing, the planter pointed out that refining margins in Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to remain challenging. 'Wilmar maintained that the plantation business should remain favourable in 2H25, underpinned by steady CPO prices, FFB output growth (5%), and limited impact from dry weather (no fires reported at its estates),' it added. The research house said refining margins remain challenging, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia, with profits expected to be modest and dependent on raw material availability, demand trends, and market timing. The research house believed the 19% US import tariff on Malaysian and Indonesian palm oil is expected to have minimal direct impact. This is because the United States accounts for 2% to 3% of Wilmar's palm oil export volumes, and volumes can be diverted to India, Africa, or other markets. It said production growth in Indonesia for 2025 is now expected at about 5% year-on-year, slightly below earlier expectations. CIMB Research believed regulatory risks in Indonesia remain, including a pending Supreme Court decision on the CPO export permit case, an ongoing rice quality investigation, and unresolved forestry land compliance issues. 'The group expects minimal impact from the higher US import tariff on Malaysia and Indonesia and believes Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate is achievable,' it added. Furthermore, the research house said Wilmar expects Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate to be implementable if the government proceeds with the policy mandate. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment in China has improved in recent months, although recovery is expected to be gradual; downtrading persists in some categories. 'Expansion of the central kitchen business in China continues, albeit at a slower pace to refine the model and improve efficiency,' it noted.
