Latest news with #MohdKhalidHarun


New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tourism agency association: Protests could tarnish Malaysia's image, impact Visit Malaysia year
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (Mata) has expressed its concern over the impact of street demonstrations, particularly in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), as they could threaten public security and tarnish the country's reputation as a safe tourism destination. It said that with Malaysia actively promoting VM2026 to attract millions of international visitors, such continued large-scale public demonstrations could hinder those efforts. "A tarnished national image can directly affect tourist arrivals and foreign investments. Demonstrations can affect business operations and employment opportunities, and increase the overall cost of living for the people. The people's peace and safety are priorities that cannot be compromised," it said in a statement today. Mata also warned that mobilising the people to take to the streets posed a security risk, including potential provocation, conflicts and disorders that could threaten public order. It also said that Malaysia, known as a destination for Islamic and nature-based tourism, would face huge challenges if street demonstrations continue and receive negative media exposure globally. Meanwhile, Mata president Datuk Sri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun said in the same statement that Malaysia is currently in a strong post-pandemic economic recovery phase. "Stability and peace are the foundation of progress in the tourism industry. Without safety guarantees, tourists will choose other destinations, which are more stable and safer," he said. He said that Mata recognises the people's right to voice their opinions, but stressed that every action must be carried out responsibly without compromising national harmony. "We must work together to maintain stability to ensure VM2026 is successful and the people's economy continues to grow," he said.


The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Political unrest threatens Malaysia's tourism & economy
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) has expressed concern that ongoing political instability and large-scale public demonstrations could harm Malaysia's international image, investor confidence, and tourism growth. Its president Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Harun said such unrest threatens efforts to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026, a national initiative aimed at attracting millions of international tourists. 'Malaysia is now in a strong phase of post-pandemic economic recovery. Any actions that disrupt political stability and national security may hinder the growth of both the tourism and economic sectors,' he said in a statement. Mohd Khalid said prolonged street protests can affect business operations, job opportunities and investor confidence, ultimately increasing the cost of living for Malaysians. He stressed that public safety must remain a priority as large gatherings carry risks of provocation, conflict and chaos that could threaten public order. 'Stability and peace are the foundation of tourism growth. Without guaranteed safety, tourists will simply choose other destinations that are more stable and secure.' He added that a negative global media coverage could also severely impact the country's Islamic and nature-based tourism sectors. 'Tourism is a major contributor to Malaysia's economy, supporting millions of jobs. 'We recognise the right to voice opinions, but it must be done responsibly and not at the expense of national harmony. We must protect our stability to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2026 and the continued growth of the people's economy,' he added. The latest rally, held on Saturday at Dataran Merdeka, saw nearly 15,000 people in attendance.


The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Street protests risk Malaysia's tourism growth ahead of VM2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) has raised concerns over ongoing street protests, warning they could damage the country's reputation as a safe travel destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). With Malaysia actively promoting the tourism campaign to attract international visitors, large-scale demonstrations risk undermining economic recovery and public security. 'A tarnished national image can directly affect tourist arrivals and foreign investments,' MATA stated. The association highlighted that protests disrupt business operations, reduce job opportunities, and increase living costs, stressing that public safety must remain a priority. MATA cautioned that mass mobilisations could escalate into conflicts, further destabilising public order. Malaysia, known for Islamic and nature-based tourism, faces significant challenges if negative global media coverage persists. Datuk Sri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun, MATA president, noted Malaysia's post-pandemic recovery hinges on stability. 'Tourists seek safe destinations. Without peace, they will choose alternatives,' he said. While acknowledging the right to protest, he urged responsible actions to safeguard national harmony. 'Collective efforts are vital to ensure VM2026's success and sustained economic growth,' he added. - Bernama


The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Demonstrations tarnish country's image, threaten VM2026, tour operator group says
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (Mata) has expressed concern over the impact of street demonstrations, particularly in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), saying they threaten public security and tarnish the country's reputation as a safe tourism destination. It stressed that such continued large-scale public demonstrations could hinder efforts to promote VM2026 and attract millions of potential international visitors. "A tarnished national image can directly affect tourist arrivals and foreign investments. "Demonstrations can affect business operations and employment opportunities, and increase the overall cost of living for the people. The people's peace and safety are priorities that cannot be compromised," said its president Datuk Sri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun in a statement on Monday (July 28). Mata also warned that mobilising the people to take to the streets posed a security risk, including potential provocation, conflicts and disorders that could threaten public order. Mata also said that Malaysia, known as a destination for Islamic and nature-based tourism, would face huge challenges if street demonstrations continue and receive negative media exposure globally. Meanwhile, Mohd Khalid also reminded that Malaysia is currently in a strong post-pandemic economic recovery phase. "Stability and peace are the foundation of progress in the tourism industry. Without safety guarantees, tourists will choose other destinations, which are more stable and safer," he said. He emphasised that Mata recognises the people's right to voice their opinions, but stressed that every action must be carried out responsibly without compromising national harmony. "We must work together to maintain stability to ensure VM2026 is successful and the people's economy continues to grow," he said. - Bernama


New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
M'sia to host Witex and WCAF 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to host the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX 2025) and the inaugural World Cultural & Arts Festival (WCAF 2025) from Aug 22 to 24 at Sunway Resort Hotel, Bandar Sunway, showcasing a vibrant convergence of Islamic tourism, global trade, culture and the arts. Organised by the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA), WITEX 2025 marks the third edition of what was formerly known as the Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (AITEX), now rebranded to reflect the exponential growth of Islamic tourism and global trade under a new global identity. In a statement released today, MATA said the event promises to be even more dynamic with over 150 booths and robust participation from Islamic and non-Islamic countries, Asean, BRICS member states and the international tourism industry. "With the theme Empowering the Future of Islamic Tourism and Trade through Culture and Innovation, WITEX 2025 and WCAF 2025 will bring together government officials, tourism stakeholders, investors and the public in a multi-dimensional platform aimed at fostering trade, investment and intercultural engagement. "Admission is free to the public, with the expo running daily from 10am to 8pm," it said. WITEX 2025 will feature several high-profile segments aimed at boosting international tourism investment and cross-cultural collaboration, including the World Islamic Tourism Conference (Aug 22-23), Ministers & CEOs Summit (Aug 24), Tourism Investment Asia (a key highlight of WITEX 2025, specialised segment designed to attract investment into Islamic tourism projects across Asia, the Middle East and Africa) and B2B Trade Networking Sessions. Running alongside the business-focused components, WITEX and WCAF will offer a vibrant cultural programme for the general public, including the national pavilion and cultural shows, halal travel and tour deals, as well as lucky draws and airline vouchers. "Capping off the week is the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Awards (WITA 2025), a prestigious black-tie gala honouring excellence in Islamic tourism, trade and cultural diplomacy. "To be held at the Grand Ballroom of Sunway Resort Hotel on Aug 25, the awards will recognise outstanding agencies, corporations and leaders with over 30 accolades, complemented by musical performances and the Combo Orchestra." Meanwhile, MATA president Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun said WITEX 2025 is more than just an exhibition - it is a global bridge of trade and trust. "It reflects Malaysia's leadership in the Islamic tourism economy and showcases our readiness to welcome the world ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026," he said. WITEX 2025 and WCAF 2025 are officially aligned with the state's Visit Selangor Year 2025 and are a build-up to the national Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The expo is supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Selangor Tourism, Etiqa Takaful, Batik Air Malaysia and Housecoff. – Bernama