Asean tourist arrivals to Malaysia jump 15% in first half of 2025
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said that this growth reflected the effectiveness of Malaysia's promotional strategies and its strategic position as Asean Chair in 2025.
'Tourism from our neighbouring Asean countries remains a major contributor to Malaysia's international tourist arrivals.
'Asean visitors accounted for 74.3% of Malaysia's total international tourism in 2024.
'The number of visitors increased to 15.09 million in the first half of 2025, up from 13.06 million in the same period last year,' he told Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai) during the Ministers' Question Time.
Tiong highlighted Malaysia's proactive role in hosting Asean meetings, which has boosted the country's visibility and appeal.
'Our role as Asean Chair contributes to this surge, with meetings attracting delegates from across the region,' he said.
On challenges in tourism promotion, Tiong acknowledged budget constraints, but emphasised ongoing efforts to collaborate with the Finance Ministry to secure necessary resources.
'We are exploring partnerships and optimising our promotional efforts even with limited funds,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Paradise under pressure: Semporna's tourism boom bites back
The many water bungalows perched above turquoise waters have earned Semporna the nickname 'Maldives of Malaysia.' — Malay Mail photo SEMPORNA (Aug 15): Once a rugged coastal town, Semporna has transformed into a thriving hub for tourists, with thousands arriving daily to explore the pristine islands off Sabah's east coast. An estimated 2,000 visitors, mostly from mainland China, now arrive in Semporna each day, fuelling demand for services ranging from boat guides and accommodation to souvenir shops and seafood restaurants. Clusters of water bungalows, both on the mainland and nearby islands, have been sprouting up, earning Semporna the nickname 'Malaysia's Maldives' for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque beaches. Alongside the surge, however, come opportunities for locals as well as mounting concerns — from socio-economic pressures to environmental and infrastructure strain. 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. 'There's no proper platform and the boats are docking in disorganised spots. It's not just inconvenient but also poses safety risks,' he said. He also pointed to poor road conditions and clogged drains in the district. 'Jalan Masbah looks more like gravel than a paved road. 'Even the drains are clogged with grass cuttings and rubbish dumped by contractors,' he said. District office executive officer Ali Adam Hamzah said cleanliness has improved in recent years, though the rubbish load remains challenging. 'There have been more investors coming in over the last decade, and we are trying to keep up. 'At the moment it is manageable. We do get a lot of feedback about the rubbish — on land and at sea — and we have been doing our best,' he said. The district office recently bought three additional rubbish trucks, bringing the fleet to eight or nine. Waste management remains a major problem, particularly around local water villages. — Malay Mail photo But waste at sea, particularly around inhabited islands like Bum Bum, is harder to manage as they fall outside the council's jurisdiction. 'Most of the problems come from the islands. In the city, we have it under control. According to feedback from tourists, businesses, and residents, it is getting better, cleaner. We are trying, but it's hard to tackle it 100 per cent. 'Of course, with more businesses and hotels, as the local council we are in support, because it also means more revenue. And with more revenue, we will be able to provide better service to everyone,' he said. With limited rubbish collection at sea, waste from nearby islands often ends up floating into Semporna's waters. — Malay Mail photo Environmental toll Marine pollution is another growing concern, with reports of increased fish bombing and cyanide use by fishermen under pressure to meet seafood demand from tourists. With seafood a major draw for Chinese visitors, local conservationists say unsustainable fishing practices are becoming more common. 'Restaurant owners pay the Bajau Laut fishermen to use illegal methods like cyanide fishing or blast fishing to quickly secure large hauls. You can hear the fish bombs go off underwater if you're diving or snorkelling,' said Tommy. 'It's not just damaging to the reefs, but also to the people doing it. Tourists come for diving and snorkelling, but if the coral's destroyed, the marine life will eventually go too — then what will be left?' he said. 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
Barnama
10 hours ago
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 15, 2025
Chinese companies are exploring investment potential in Cambodia's timber plantation and textile manufacturing sectors. A business delegation from Beijing City and Anhui Province held talks with the Council for the Development of Cambodia to know more about investment opportunities. Cambodian First Lady Dr Pich Chanmony Hun Manet was awarded the 'Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award' in Singapore for her work in promoting children's healthcare. She received the award at the 'Smile Asia Charity Gala 2025' event. EXPERTS TO REFORM STATE-OWNED ENTITIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao will rely on Vietnamese expertise to overhaul its state-owned enterprises to improve their performance. Vietnam will share its skills in reforming and restructuring government-owned business, which includes legal frameworks, management, capital mobilisation and investment management. STRENGTHEN 70 YEARS OF TIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos and the Philippines will mark their 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations by focusing on improving economic ties. The two ASEAN members pledged to cooperate across clean energy, agriculture, trade, investment and tourism sectors. MYANMAR INVITES ASEAN MEMBERS TO INVEST IN ENERGY SECTOR -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Resource-rich Myanmar is inviting ASEAN member states to invest in its energy sector. The government also expressed its electricity needs based on the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Facility project to be implemented before 2045. 2.'BLOOMING LANCANG-MEKONG HERITAGE' FILMING BEGINS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR A Chinese television production team will begin filming a documentary titled 'Blooming Lancang-Mekong Heritage' to highlight Myanmar's development achievements. The documentary will also feature other Lancang-Mekong region countries' achievements. THE PHILIPPINES 1.'Habagat' continues to dampen PH SINGAPORE CALL FOR STRONGER MANAGEMENT RULES IN AGEING CONDOS, BUT SEEK TO AVOID BEING OVERBURDENED -- THE STRAITS TIMES At one 48-year-old private housing estate in Upper Thomson Road, the signs of deterioration are clear. 2.'GIVE YOU MONEY, YOU DON'T WANT?': 3 IN 4 OLDER PLATFORM WORKERS YET TO OPT IN FOR HIGHER CPF CONTRIBUTIONS -- CNA Private-hire driver Lincoln Khoo chose to take up the higher Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for platform workers 'because CPF is also my money, so might as well opt in to get more income'. THAILAND 1. THAI CENTRAL BANK CUTS INTEREST RATE AMID ECONOMIC HEADWINDS -- THE NATION In a unanimous decision, Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to cut the policy interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it down from 1.75% to 1.50%. 2. PAETONGTARN SUBMITS DEFENCE -- BANGKOK POST Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has submitted her defence to the Constitutional Court, in which she claimed the remarks she made in the leaked recording of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen were part of her negotiating technique -- not an improper offer of favours. VIETNAM BANK UPDATE OVER 120 MILLION ACCOUNTS -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam's banking sector verified individual and corporate accounts linked to digital channels to ensure payment security. The State Bank of Vietnam updated more than 120 million individual records and over 1.2 million organisations' accounts. 2. VIETNAM-THAILAND SHARE ANTI-NARCOTIC TIPS -- VIETNAM NEWS The 17th Vietnam–Thailand Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation was held in Hanoi. Officials shared experience in implementing drug rehabilitation, drug forensics, combating and preventing crimes, and tracing the origins of drugs. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Asean tourist arrivals to Malaysia jump 15% in first half of 2025
MALAYSIA has seen a significant rise in tourist arrivals from Asean countries, recording a 15.5% increase from January to June this year compared to the same period last year, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing ( pic ). The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said that this growth reflected the effectiveness of Malaysia's promotional strategies and its strategic position as Asean Chair in 2025. 'Tourism from our neighbouring Asean countries remains a major contributor to Malaysia's international tourist arrivals. 'Asean visitors accounted for 74.3% of Malaysia's total international tourism in 2024. 'The number of visitors increased to 15.09 million in the first half of 2025, up from 13.06 million in the same period last year,' he told Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai) during the Ministers' Question Time. Tiong highlighted Malaysia's proactive role in hosting Asean meetings, which has boosted the country's visibility and appeal. 'Our role as Asean Chair contributes to this surge, with meetings attracting delegates from across the region,' he said. On challenges in tourism promotion, Tiong acknowledged budget constraints, but emphasised ongoing efforts to collaborate with the Finance Ministry to secure necessary resources. 'We are exploring partnerships and optimising our promotional efforts even with limited funds,' he said.
