Malaysia to intensify promotion of hidden gems for Visit Malaysia 2026
LONDON: Efforts will be made to intensify the promotion of Malaysia's hidden gems ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that feedback from London's tourism industry players revealed Malaysia has not fully capitalised on promoting its hidden attractions to boost tourist arrivals.
"Industry players felt there is untapped potential in tourism products like Orang-utans, beaches, nature, and attractions in Sabah and Sarawak. Our promotions just skim the surface and lack depth.
"This situation might be due to a lack of funds for such promotions, but I will raise this with the Cabinet Committee on Tourism and Culture, which I chair," he told reporters after a dialogue with Britain's tourism industry and launching Visit Malaysia 2026 in London on Tuesday (June 3).
Ahmad Zahid said there is still time to adjust tourism marketing and promotions, as Visit Malaysia 2026 is about seven months away.
"We will discuss the matter further in the committee," he added.
He mentioned the government would also consider offering incentives for travellers using Malaysia-based airlines to stop over in the country, following industry feedback.
"I have agreed to discuss this with the Tourism and Culture Ministry and, if necessary, the same cabinet committee. It is not impossible to realise this matter," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Issues over Petros nothing to do with Petronas layoffs, says Fadillah
Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said Petronas is relooking its entire operation because of the decline in crude oil prices. KUCHING : Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) move to trim its workforce stems from global challenges and is not connected to the national oil firm's issues with Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros). Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said Petronas's restructuring plan is necessary amid the decline in crude oil prices. He said he plans to meet with the company to get more details of the exercise. 'That (the decline in crude oil prices) is why Petronas has to relook its entire operation. I'm planning a meeting with them to get a briefing on the matter and to ensure that the number of layoffs can be reduced, if not avoided,' he told reporters attending the Aidiladha sacrificial event at Taman Hussein Mosque here today. On June 5, Petronas president and CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik Aziz said the national oil firm is cutting 10% of its workforce to cope with challenging operating conditions, particularly because of falling crude prices. He said the number of staff involved in the downsizing process stands at about 5,000, and those affected will be notified in stages next year. On May 21, the federal and state governments reached an understanding on matters involving Petronas and Petros. According to the joint declaration, Petronas will continue its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations entrusted to the company in Malaysia under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and its regulations. Any agreements and arrangements between Petronas and its subsidiaries with third parties for the purpose of liquefied natural gas sales from upstream operations through to LNG exports to foreign parties remain unaffected. A media statement by the Prime Minister's Office following the joint declaration said all relevant federal and state laws relating to gas distribution in Sarawak are to co-exist and be respected by all parties.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
MACC to file application to forfeit Ilham Tower
MACC seized Ilham Tower yesterday for the second time. (Website pic) PETALING JAYA : The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will file an application to forfeit the Ilham Tower in Kuala Lumpur next week, says its chief, Azam Baki. Azam said the forfeiture application would be filed under Section 55 or 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), Utusan Malaysia reported. Section 56 of Amla provides for the forfeiture of property where there is no prosecution, if a High Court judge is satisfied that the asset was the subject-matter or evidence relating to the commission of an offence under the Act, the proceeds of an unlawful activity, or the instrumentalities of an offence. MACC first seized the 274m-tall tower owned by the late Daim Zainuddin and his family under the MACC Act in December 2023. It previously said it could seize the tower for up to 18 months pending investigations. Yesterday, it announced it had seized the tower again, this time under Amla. Daim's widow, Naimah Khalid, plans to challenge the seizure in court. Last month, MACC opened eight new investigation papers into 'high-value' assets linked to Daim and his family members after receiving new information from overseas.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Indian Muslim housing discount doesn't violate rights of others, says exco
Penang executive councillor S Sundarajoo said the initiative is aimed at increasing homeownership among groups with low participation in the open market and is not being done at the expense of others. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Penang's housing and environment committee chairman, S Sundarajoo, has defended the 5% homeownership discount for Indian Muslims under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign, saying it does not infringe on the rights of other communities. Sundarajoo said the initiative is aimed at increasing homeownership among groups with low participation in the open market and is not at the expense of others. 'This discount is offered by developers as a form of social responsibility and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government,' he said in a statement today. He also clarified that the discount does not apply to units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing housing policies, including quotas or incentives for first-time buyers. 'All existing housing policies, including the Bumiputera quota, remain in place and will continue to be implemented,' he said. Sundarajoo said the move is also in response to the growing number of unsold houses in Penang, with 2,796 overhang units identified across the state as of the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the National Property Information Centre. The discount was approved by the state executive council on May 7 and by the state planning committee on Tuesday after consultations with housing industry stakeholders, he said. He said it also aims to boost the property sector, which has been affected by rising construction and labour costs. 'This aligns with the state's goal of promoting balanced, sustainable, and inclusive development,' he said. On Thursday, Sundarajoo announced that private developers will be encouraged to voluntarily offer a 5% discount to first-time Indian Muslim homebuyers for one year. The initiative has drawn criticism from human rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, who called the campaign discriminatory and unconstitutional. Policy to be reviewed, says Sim In a separate statement, Penang DAP chief Steven Sim said he has discussed the matter with chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who has agreed that it will be brought for review and discussion at the upcoming state executive council meeting. He said that as a party founded on the principles of the Federal Constitution, DAP has always championed justice and the welfare of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. 'It is important that the Penang government continues to uphold the principle of social justice and ensures that every Malaysian's right to homeownership is protected,' he said.
