Tourism Act review expected to be completed by early next year
PUTRAJAYA: The review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482), aimed at strengthening the governance of Malaysia's tourism sector, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
In a statement today, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) said the review began in August 2023 and has involved 54 engagement sessions with nearly 1,000 stakeholders. These include representatives from ministries, agencies, NGOs, and tourism industry players both locally and abroad.
The key proposed amendments include improvements to the licencing system, enhanced insurance protection, stronger enforcement mechanisms, registration of digital platforms, and the establishment of a Tourism Tribunal.
MOTAC expressed confidence that the proposed amendments would help position Malaysia as a sustainable, safe, culturally rich, and competitive tourism destination - aligned with the inclusive and reform-driven Malaysia MADANI vision, particularly in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.
'The findings and proposed amendments were presented at the National Seminar on Regulatory Effectiveness in Addressing Issues and Challenges in the Malaysian Tourism Industry. held here today.
'The seminar also aimed to gather feedback to ensure the review is inclusive and considers views from all stakeholders,' MOTAC said.
The seminar was attended by 102 participants, including representatives from government agencies and tourism industry players.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Tourism ministry shares details of Cambodia-China Tourism Year events
PHNOM PENH: In a bid to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between Cambodia and China, the Ministry of Tourism has laid out ambitious plans for the 'Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025'. The initiative, a result of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Cambodia in mid-April, aims to attract a larger number of Chinese tourists and deepen bilateral relationship between the two nations. Chuk Chumno, director-general of Tourism Development and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Tourism, confirmed the launch of this significant campaign. He shared details about the lineup of major events that will be organised as part of the 'Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025'. The events will showcase the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of both countries. 'These include an international music festival, an international street art festival, a mixed martial arts festival, food diplomacy promotion and the Cambodia-China International Tourism Conference, among others,' said Chumno. One of the highlights of this extensive programme is the tourism business matching forum, which is expected to facilitate deeper collaboration in the tourism sector. The initiative will also feature the exchange of tourism goodwill ambassadors and promote Cambodia-China film tourism through targeted activities, including a planned visit by a Chinese media delegation. Plans have also been laid out for an overland expedition from China which will culminate with a tour of the Kingdom, although details of the route were not available. Chumno elaborated on the planned international music festival, which will be held either in Siem Reap province or Phnom Penh. 'It will serve as a cultural exchange between the two countries, showcasing the diversity of our artistic traditions,' he said. In addition, a street art festival will feature a variety of performances, including traditional Cambodian Bassac theatre and Chinese opera, to engage audiences with both cultures. A unique element of this collaboration is the special performance planned between two iconic characters from both nations' folklore: the Monkey King Hanuman from Cambodia and the Monkey King Sun Wukong from China. 'We are curious to learn about the Chinese Monkey King and they are interested to know more about Hanuman,' Chumno explained, emphasising the shared cultural heritage. In addition to the arts, martial arts will also play a key role in the exchange. Cambodia and China both boast rich traditions in martial arts, including Cambodia's kun lbokator, yuthakun khom and Kun Khmer, and China's kung fu, Shaolin, and tai chi. These traditions will be highlighted throughout the year as part of the ongoing cultural dialogue. To further attract Chinese tourists, the tourism ministry has aligned these events with China's major holidays, such as the Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week. Tourism minister Huot Hak, the governor of China's Jiangsu province and other Chinese officials chose the third quarter of the year for the events to ensure that the Chinese public has the opportunity to explore Cambodia during their vacation period. A key aspect of the campaign will be food diplomacy, with both countries exchanging regional culinary delights. 'Cambodia will showcase its traditional dishes, including amok noodles, Khmer desserts and a variety of Khmer cakes,' said Chumno. China will present its eight regional dishes, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote both cultures' food traditions. The cultural exchange and tourism collaboration was officially inaugurated at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall in Phnom Penh on May 23. The opening ceremony included a special art performance, 'The Beauty of Cambodia-Jiangsu', which was held from May 23-25. This event marked the beginning of a series of planned cultural showcases, strengthening the tourism links between the two nations. The event aims to build on the existing relationship between the two countries, which has seen a notable rise in tourist exchanges. In the first four months of 2025, Cambodia welcomed 380,000 Chinese visitors — a 48 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. Last year saw Cambodia welcome a total of 6,610,592 international tourists, including 848,952 from China, marking a 55 per cent rise compared to the previous year. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Penang's call for mindful tourism
Historical heritage: A couple of German tourists taking photos and videos of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, the country's largest Hokkien clanhouse, in George Town. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Penang hopes that sustainable tourism will be taken seriously as the nation gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026. While tourists are welcome to explore the beauty of the city, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai reminds everyone about responsible travel practices to safeguard Penang's rich cultural heritage, iconic buildings and natural environment. 'Penang is home to numerous historic places of worship, including temples, mosques, churches and shrines that reflect our diverse religious landscape. 'Visitors should be mindful of local sensitivities and dress modestly out of respect for the religious practices and traditions observed at these sites. 'These places are not just tourist attractions. They are active centres of faith and worship in the local communities. 'We welcome everyone to experience Penang's cultural richness, but we also ask that they do so with understanding and respect,' Wong said. Wong, who also serves as the chairman of Penang Global Tourism, expressed optimism as Penang prepares to maintain its status as a premier destination for all tourists. 'Tourists should also be mindful of littering, especially cigarette butts, and defacing the iconic murals,' he said. Wong also said visitors should stay on designated trails and not disturb local wildlife or vegetation while visiting scenic hills, parks and beaches. 'It is important to do our part to keep them clean and undisturbed. Sustainable tourism is a necessity,' he said. Meanwhile, Penang Tourist Guide Association chairman Clement Liang said while Penang is generally safe, visitors need to remain vigilant. He also stressed the importance of observing local customs. 'Malaysia may be more relaxed than some countries, but beachwear like bikinis is not appropriate in places of worship. Respect goes a long way,' he added. Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad reminded tourists that they are subject to local laws and should always follow police advice. He urged those driving to use designated parking areas and avoid haphazard parking, to prevent traffic congestion. 'The police are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all visitors, and we will take action against anyone who disrupts public order. 'We want everyone to enjoy their time in Penang, but they must also help maintain a safe and orderly environment,' he said.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Paradigm REIT has three hotels and one commercial gateway on its acquisition radar
KUALA LUMPUR: Paradigm Real Estate Investment Trust (Paradigm REIT) has three hotels and a commercial gateway in its acquisition pipeline for the next three years. The assets are Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall, Le Méridien Petaling Jaya, Premier Hotel Klang and Gateway@Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2. Paradigm REIT Management Sdn Bhd's investment, finance and accounts director, Chong Kian Fah, told reporters after the company's listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia today that the proposed acquisition would be funded with a 50:50 combination of cash and newly issued REIT units. 'We plan to raise the cash portion through medium-term notes. Our proposal is to pay the vendor half in cash and half in new REIT units,' he said. The hotels, which are currently owned by Paradigm REIT's sponsor, WCT Holdings Bhd, are in the vicinity of its mall assets in the trust. Paradigm REIT is looking to do this as early as 2026 to inject the three hotels and then potentially 2027 or 2028 for the commercial gateway asset which the company is looking into besides eyeing other potential acquisition targets. Asked if there are any plans to acquire new malls following the listing, Paradigm REIT executive director and CEO Selena Chua Kah Noi said the company is open to it but it would depend on several key factors. 'We have to look at a few key things, including location, type of tenants, the mall surrounding, catchment and other factors,' she added. Chua said the company is looking to leverage on Visit Malaysia 2026 and is working closely with Tourism Malaysia on the programme. She said Paradigm Mall Johor will benefit the most out of the programme as many Singaporeans will be excited to come visit the country and spend their time shopping. 'Last year, we did a midnight sale in Johor Bahru which was very well received and the tourists from Singapore came in and shopped and we had a lot of activities lined up.' Paradigm REIT made a flat debut on Bursa Malaysia, opening at RM1 per share, unchanged from its initial public offering (IPO) price, on volume of 1.73 million units. It traded within a narrow range and closed at RM1, with 44.58 million shares traded. In May, Paradigm REIT's IPO garnered strong investor interest, with the public tranche oversubscribed by 1.49 times. The non-Bumiputera portion saw an oversubscription rate of 3.7 times. Paradigm REIT's IPO involved no issuance of new units, meaning the trust itself did not receive any proceeds. The entire RM560 million raised from the IPO went to WCT Holdings. Paradigm REIT chairman and independent non-executive director Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said the listing of Paradigm REIT marks a proud milestone for their team and for Malaysia's REIT landscape. 'While we opened flat at RM1, we view this as a stable and encouraging start – especially in a market where volatility has become the norm. 'The strong support from both institutional and retail investors affirms confidence in our portfolio and long-term strategy. We remain focused on delivering consistent value to our unit holders and executing our strategy in making our assets more value-accretive.' Paradigm REIT's current portfolio comprises three shopping centres – Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, and Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre – collectively valued at RM2.4 billion and strategically located in high-traffic, high-growth urban areas. Managed by Paradigm REIT Management and sponsored by WCT Holdings, Paradigm REIT aims to maintain a disciplined acquisition strategy while leveraging on WCT Holdings' development expertise and network to unlock future growth opportunities. Paradigm REIT is expected to deliver an attractive distribution yield, backed by stable cash flows from its diversified and well-tenanted retail assets. It has committed to distributing at least 90% of its distributable income on a half-yearly basis.
