January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — Malaysia recorded 42.2 million tourist arrivals in 2025, marking an 11.2 per cent increase from 38 million in 2024 and a 20.4 per cent rise compared to 35 million in 2019, providing a strong platform for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the encouraging figures demonstrate the sustained momentum of the tourism sector as a key contributor to the nation’s economic growth.
To sustain this growth, he said the government will enhance coordination among all ministries and agencies in preparation for VM2026.
“The government is intensifying coordination across ministries and agencies to ensure tourism continues to be a major driver of national economic growth,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the decision was made during the Tourism and Culture Cabinet Committee (JKPK) meeting, which brought together various ministries, departments and key agencies in line with a whole-of-government approach.
He added that the meeting highlighted the tourism industry’s strategic role in national development, particularly its contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), job creation and the strengthening of the country’s fiscal position.
“As such, the entire government machinery is urged to work cohesively and in an integrated manner to attract more international tourists, lengthen their stays and boost visitor spending in Malaysia,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also stressed that with VM2026 designated as a major national agenda, close collaboration between state governments, the private sector and industry players with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) as the lead agency is essential to accelerate industry growth and enhance competitiveness.
“This strategic partnership is crucial to ensuring that matters related to jurisdiction, regulation and enforcement are addressed efficiently and in a timely manner,” he said.
He said the meeting also deliberated on several key policy issues affecting the tourism sector, including the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme, the Premium Visa Programme (PVIP), the proposed takeover of tourism vehicle regulation, the status of the Umrah transit hub and the development of cruise tourism.
“Overall, the meeting underscores the Federal Government’s continued commitment to strengthening cooperation among ministries, departments and agencies to comprehensively address tourism-related issues.
“All parties remain committed to ensuring the success of the VM2026 campaign so that its targets and economic impact can be achieved,” he said. — Bernama
