13MP A Forward-looking Roadmap To Transform Tourism - Tiong

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) – Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has described the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as a forward-looking and pragmatic policy agenda aimed at transforming tourism into a high-income, sustainable sector.

In a Facebook post today, Tiong said that with Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, the 13MP is not merely a development blueprint but a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to elevating the tourism industry and delivering meaningful benefits to all Malaysians.

“During Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's tabling of the 13MP in Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister highlighted the impressive recovery of the tourism industry, noting that foreign visitors spent RM102.2 billion in Malaysia in 2024.

“This is an encouraging achievement. I am confident that under the 13MP, this positive momentum will continue, positioning the tourism sector to contribute 16 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product by 2030,” he said.

He said a major initiative under the 13MP is the creation of Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ), particularly in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak, expressing confidence that these zones will broaden tourism offerings and draw both domestic and international investors.

“As of June 2025, 43 potential sites have been identified. At the ministerial level, I will work closely with relevant agencies to fast-track implementation.

“I firmly believe tourism should extend beyond major cities and be inclusive of all Malaysians. I therefore welcome the government’s focus on homestay tourism (inap desa), which not only creates additional income opportunities for rural communities but also offers visitors a genuine glimpse into the daily lives and cultural richness of our people,” he said.

He added that the 13MP rightly recognises aviation’s important role in tourism growth, with plans to introduce 178 new aircraft by 2030, expanding international route capacity and increasing flight frequencies across ASEAN.

“This will greatly strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness in the regional tourism market. I am especially encouraged that the plan highlights the importance of our cultural, heritage and artistic assets in tourism development,” he said.

He also welcomed the continued emphasis on transport infrastructure development in Sarawak and Sabah, noting that major projects such as the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road, Pan Borneo Highway, and Trans Borneo Highway are making good progress.

“Finally, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister for his steadfast support of the tourism sector. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) remains fully committed to delivering the aspirations of the 13MP and establishing Malaysia as a leading high-income, sustainable and culturally vibrant international tourism destination,” he said.

-- BERNAMA