Malaysia

The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) is expecting 2.77 million vehicles per day on major expressways during the upcoming Aidilfitri holiday: - PLUS Group highways, 2.1 million vehicles - KL-Karak Expressway (KLK), 216,000 - West Coast Expressway (WCE), 176,000 - East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1) 156,000 - LPT2, 70,000 LLM expects the traffic to the east coast, northern and southern regions to increase from 28 Mar due to additional school holidays from 2-4 Apr. The return traffic is expected to peak on 5-6 Apr

Plus Malaysia, a highway operator, said they expect more than 2.2 million vehicles from 27-29 Mar, in conjunction with Hari Raya, slated to be celebrated on 31 Mar. The holiday also coincides with Qing Ming, where the Chinese will pay honour to the dead on 4 Apr. The reverse flow of traffic is expected to occur from 4-6 Apr. Plus will deploy 5,000 personnel to run everything smoothly. Kuala Lumpur-Karak and East Coast Expressway Phase 1 highways are expecting daily traffic volumes to increase by 70%-83%. Works Minister said highway users will enjoy a 50% off from 28-29 Mar, costing the government RM19.69 million

Ipsos Malaysia study found the local media industry recorded an increase in trust among Malaysians in 2024 compared to 2023. However, the report mentioned that overall trust has dropped by 7 points in 2024. Ipsos Malaysia pointed to continued boycotts impacting corporations and that airlines and Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) are experiencing high trust deficits with a 17-point decline

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said heavy traffic is expected at both the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints on 26 Mar due to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri long weekend starting on 28 Mar-31 Mar. From 14-24 Mar, which included the school holidays, a total of 5.6 million travellers cleared both land checkpoints

IKHASAS Group will invest RM90 million to expand its ibis Styles Sepang KLIA hotel to accommodate growing demand from local and international travelers

Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd has signed a 20-year lease agreement with the government to operate and maintain Kuala Lumpur Tower and its surrounding areas. They plan to rejuvenate the area into an integrated destination for tourism, retail, and cultural engagement. This includes areas facing the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve and those in front of Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan P Ramlee

Kuching will host the Asia Carbon Conference (ACC) from 29-30 May. The event will be organised by Argus Media and hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Sarawak, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. The conference is expected to attract 400 delegates. ACC 2025 will feature speakers from Singapore, India, Australia, and the EU focusing on topics such as the evolution of carbon markets, strategies to achieve net-zero emissions, the transition towards sustainable energy sources, and the importance of corporate climate responsibility

80% of international inbound DuitNow QR payments were received via Alipay+. PayNet, which manages DuitNow, recorded a 600% YoY increase in revenue in Dec 2024

The Immigration Department of Malaysia will streamline the Long-Term Social Visit Pass for Business Visitors or Foreign Investors (Investor Pass) application process, which will take effect on 1 Apr. Immigration Department’s Director General said this pass will allow business visitors and foreign investors to stay in Malaysia for up to 6 months with a 6-month extension

Penang Deputy Police Chief said they are expecting 2.6 million vehicles to enter Penang during Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman said the state welcomed 192 tourists from Hungary in 2024 and 30 tourists in Jan 2025, proving STB’s promotional activities in Hungary are working. He said tourists from Hungary can visit Sabah through Guangzhou and Shanghai. On 24 Mar, he met with 12 tour agents and media representatives from Hungary who are in Sabah for a 5-day fam trip

The Statistics Department’s (DOSM) Malaysia Domestic Tourism Survey (DTS) for Q4 2024 showed that the domestic tourism sector recorded 66.8 million visitors, and tourism expenditure increased by 21.9% to RM29 billion. The Chief Statistician said domestic tourists in 2024 reached 260.1 million, +21.7% YoY, and domestic tourism expenditure reached RM107.2 billion, +26.3% YoY, both exceeding pre-pandemic levels of 239.1 million tourists and RM103.2 billion in expenditure. He said key industries recorded strong growth attributed to the growth in domestic tourism: - Zoo attractions recorded a +15.6 YoY increase in revenue - Retail sales of automotive fuel recorded +6.7% YoY - Domestic airport arrivals recorded +6.1% YoY - Occupancy rate for 4-star hotels recorded +5.9% YoY - Beach destinations recorded +12.1% YoY in occupancy - Town areas recorded +0.7% YoYin occupancy - Services sector recorded +6.2% YoY - Land transportation recorded +10% YoY and air transport recorded +9.3% YoY

The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) supports the Transport Ministry’s initiative to reduce congestion and inefficiencies at PUSPAKOM inspection centers. The Transport Minister announced a few measures, including the Self-Declaration for Non-Safety Inspection Items, which exempts mandatory inspections for minor vehicle features such as body lettering, first aid kits, number plates, and seat conditions

Pahang State Transport EXCO said 3.14 million vehicles are expected to enter Pahang from 27 Mar-7 Apr. 2.24 million vehicles will enter through the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway, while 903,000 will enter through the East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1). The peak traffic is expected on 5 Apr with 216,000 vehicles at the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway and 119,000 vehicles at LPT1

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has forecast 4.5%-5.5% growth of the economy in 2025, driven by sustained domestic demand. BNM published its Economic and Monetary Review 2024 and Financial Stability Review for H2 2024. BNM said headline inflation is expected to reach 2%-3.5% and core inflation at 1.5%-2.5% in 2025. In 2024, Malaysia’s economy grew by 5.1% with a moderate inflation of 1.8% while the MYR recorded a 2.7% gain against the USD, and 7.5% higher against its major trading partners. E-payment transactions recorded 19% growth to 409 transactions per capita

Sabah will host the Sustainable Wholistic Wellness International Conference & Expo (SWWICE) 2025 from 24 Jun-3 Jul under the theme of Sustainable Wholistic Wellness Tourism. The event will feature a conference from 24-26 Jun at Magellan Sutera Harbour, a Wellness & Lifestyle Expo at the Sabah International Convention Centre (27-29 Jun), and a restorative retreat (1-3 Jul)

Tourism Malaysia hosted the first consumer event in China since the pandemic at TeeMall in Guangzhou from 7-9 Mar

Visitors can now apply for permits to enter Selangor’s permanent forest reserves for recreational and hiking activities through the Selangor Forestry e-Permit System (SeForest) from 1 Apr. Currently, they have to visit the department’s offices in person to apply for a permit. Visitors must apply for a permit at least 48 hours before their visit, and payment must be made within 24 hours of receiving the approval. The department imposed a limit on the daily number of visitors to reduce environmental strain. Only around 150-300 people are allowed to enter each forest reserve area, depending on their carrying capacity

Sunway Malls projected 5% growth in 2025, driven by the growing tourism sector and the GDP growth projection. Sunway Malls recorded a 5% increase in 2024

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) advised travellers to defer non-essential travel to Johor this coming weekend as they expect heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. ICA said the rain due to the monsoon surge in Singapore also contributed to the traffic congestion at the checkpoints. Travellers departing by car and motorcycle have had to wait for over 2 hours for immigration clearance

The Johor Disaster Management Committee said about 10,763 people were evacuated from their homes as of 8.00am on 21 Mar, 2X the number recorded yesterday. 98 temporary flood relief centres have opened in Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Kluang, Pontian, and Kulai to place victims from 3,018 families. Johor Bahru recorded the highest number of flood evacuees with 4,291 people, followed by Kluang with 2,163, Kota Tinggi with 1,762, Pontian with 1,395, and Kulai with 1,152

The Tourism Minister said Melaka will host the launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. He said the state government will manage the preparation. The launch will take place during the World Tourism Day (WTD) 2025 in Sep. He attended an engagement session with tourism industry players from Melaka. Around 1,000 people participated in this event

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) signed an MoU with the Malaysia Pickleball Association to promote the MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand (MPG) Slam as a sports tourism event in Malaysia. This event will be endorsed by the Malaysia Pickleball Association, Sarawak Pickleball Association and Kuching Pickleball Association. The Ministries of Sport and Tourism will support this event as well. The event, with an RM100,000 prize pool, is expected to attract international players

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) met with AirAsia and the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah/Labuan Chapter to collaborate to improve the tourism ecosystem in the state. STB Chairman believes that it is important for all stakeholders to work together to create a welcoming environment for the visitors

Reef Check Malaysia published the Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia 2024 report showing that live coral cover (LCC) dropped to 44.7% in 2024 from 45.9% in 2023. The decline was recorded since the lifting of the Movement Control Order (MCO). The NGO surveyed 315 sites in 2024, including 157 in the Sunda Shelf eco-region, 22 in the Strait of Melaka, and 136 in North Borneo. The survey shows a steady decline in reef health from 2016-2020, attributed to unsustainable tourism. The NGO recommends a multi-stakeholder approach to build the resilience of coral reefs. They suggested offering various training courses for boat operators to reduce impacts on the reefs and limit the number of tourists in particularly sensitive areas. The report also said the government should introduce a sustainable tourism model, moving away from mass tourism

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will offer 4 additional ETS trains for the KL-Sentral-Butterworth and KL-Sentral-Padang Besar routes on 28 and 30 Mar, and on 5-6 Apr. The service will offer 1,254 seats daily including the business class seat option and in total there will be 5,016 seats. Sales will start from 20 Mar

Pahang State Tourism EXCO reported that the state saw the highest average hotel occupancy rate in Malaysia for the 3rd consecutive year, reaching 75.6% in 2024, and there are 36,000 registered rooms in Pahang. In 2024, Pahang recorded 13.7 million domestic and international tourists and RM12.34 billion in tourist expenditure, +3.81% YoY. In 2023, Pahang recorded 13.2 million visitors and RM11.88 billion in tourist expenditure. For the number of domestic hotel guests nationally: - Pahang recorded the highest number of domestic hotel guests at 11.6 million - Kuala Lumpur, 9.8 million - Johor, 7.4 million - Selangor, 6.1 million - Penang, 5.2 million For the average hotel occupancy rates, Kuala Lumpur ranked second at 62.6% followed by Putrajaya at 56.5%. She said Pahang’s 5 districts of Bentong, Kuantan, Cameron Highlands, Temerloh, and Rompin recorded an increase in tourist arrivals in 2024 while the top nationwide destinations were Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Kuantan, Cherating, and Pulau Tioman. Pahang targets to attract 13.8 million tourists in 2025

The President of the Malaysia Tourism Federation said social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu are leading transformation in the tourism industry by making a destination a must-visit overnight. He said Gen Z travellers are budget-conscious and willing to have experiences which offer personal growth and wellness. Digital nomad-friendly areas are thriving due to connectivity and vibrant co-working environments. The Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) President said social media platforms are important in targeting Gen Z who will have greater spending power in 5-10 years. The Apple Vacations group Managing Director said Gen Z prefer free independent travel (FIT) as they search tourism destinations and trendy check-in locations recommended by influencers. He said for Gen Z travellers customisation and personalisation are important for their solo travel or family holidays. He said younger travellers often take charge of leading in organising family trips

EDOTCO Malaysia and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) will collaborate to transform Langkawi into Malaysia’s first 5G-powered digital tourism hub. They will work with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to bring high-speed 5G connectivity to Langkawi Sky Bridge, Geosites, Pantai Cenang, and major hotels. The partnership will span for 2 years, with a Proof of Concept (POC) to test key 5G application will be carried out in the first 6 months, followed by expanding the initiative to include AI-driven smart hospitality solutions and autonomous shuttle services in the remaining 18 months

The Tourism Ministry is working with the Foreign and Home Ministries to lift travel advisories placed on Sabah by European countries like France, Switzerland, and Germany. He said the travel advisory has a significant impact on tourism interests as the tourists from affected countries will not receive any insurance coverage in case of any incidents. He said Malaysia has implemented various security measures including deploying armed security forces in high risk areas such as Semporna. He said many diplomats have visited the area for security assessments

Sarawak Tourism Minister said the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) program saw a strong international interest, with China becoming the top applicant country in Jan and Feb. He said previously the program received strong support from the US, Europe, and Singapore. But, now China has become the top applicant and countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore have also recorded encouraging numbers. He said in 2024, they received 560 applications. From 1 Jan, all S-MM2H applicants are required to place a RM500,000 deposit per family, an increase from RM150,000 for individuals

The Malaysian Association of Hotels Selangor Chapter (MAHSEL) and the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) launched the Selangor Super Savers 2025 (SSS2025) campaign in Feb 2025 with a dedicated online portal, with the support and participation from the Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions and the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association. The campaign will offer exclusive promotions and benefits to visitors

Vice President of Parti Warisan said the Tawau Hills Park project in Sabah could become a white elephant project if issues like sanitation, water supply, and environmental impact are not addressed. He pointed out concerns over freshwater sources for Tawau, Semporna, and Kunak. He also said water pollution and sewage management could threaten nearly 500,000 people. He also asked why the local stakeholders such as park rangers, tour operators, and NGOs like Wildcru and 1StopBorneo Wildlife were not consulted

K-pop singer G-Dragon’s concert will take place at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil on 19-20 Jul

The Ministry of Tourism has invited 80 German agencies and tourism representatives to explore and promote Malaysia during a meeting with the German Travel Association (DRV). The Tourism Minister said according to DRV, Malaysia remains unfamiliar to German tourists. He said DRV suggested inviting their members to Malaysia to experience the country which will help them to create and promote tourism packages to Europe

Tourism Malaysia Director General said domestic tourism must not be sidelined as Malaysia prepares to welcome Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). He asked tourism players to work together by sharing programs and initiatives during the Engagement Session with Sarawak Tourism Industry Players 2025. He said there are 3 key components under the Visit Malaysia campaign: increasing tourist arrivals by encouraging longer stays, improving cultural and eco-tourism experiences to generate higher spending, and empowering local communities through sustainable tourism development

Assistant Tourism Minister of Sabah said they launched a pilot project using digital data capture to improve tourist arrivals in Kiulu, Sabah. He said this data is important to understand the state of rural and community-based tourism. He said from Jan-Nov 2024, 85 community-based tourism operators from 18 districts submitted their data to STB. The record shows 269,154 visitors with RM6.5 million in revenue throughout the period

Sabah will strengthen its position as a premier travel destination by focusing on sustainable tourism, improving tourism infrastructure, and empowering community-based tourism. Sabah Tourism Minister said the Tourism Promotion Grant, Tourism Sector Support Grant, Aviation and Charter Sector Grant, and the Cultural Sector Support Grant have helped to boost domestic and international tourism in Sabah

Malaysia welcomed 3.3 million visitors from China in 2024, +123% YoY. Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) will offer financial and non-financial support through its MyTripleE 2.0 campaign to attract more business events from China. Malaysia is expanding its business events infrastructure with the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) which is scheduled to open in Q3 2025

The Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Johor Chapter is organising a travel fair from 18-10 July to encourage the public to purchase travel packages from licensed travel agencies. MCTA Johor Chairman said the MITM Travel Fair 2025 will generate an estimated sales revenue of RM18-RM20 million. This year’s event will feature a special annual lucky draw with prices ranging from a car to RM500 lucky draw

Hotel operators are calling for a dialogue session with Kota Kinabalu City Hall over the increase in hotel licensing fees. The Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) President called it an excessive burden on the hotel industry. He also criticised KK City Hall for failing to regulate STRA such as Airbnb operators. Sabah Tourism Minister said the state cabinet decided to maintain the fees and will conduct a review in 6 months to assess its impact on the hospitality industry

Labuan will host the first Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) from 26-30 Jul. The event is expected to attract 50,000 local and international tourists. The Minister in charge of Federal Territories said they aim to boost the local economy and attract tourists from Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei

Express bus tickets from Seremban to the East Coast have been 80% sold for the Hari Raya period. Tickets to Kuala Terengganu and Kelantan are selling faster than tickets for the northern part of Malaysia. A cashier told reporters a total of 40 express bus companies are operating at Terminal One and some are yet to open for sales

Labuan will develop the Waterfront Development Project at a cost of RM38 million at Victoria Harbour Beach to generate economic benefits and improve the tourism sector on the island. The Minister in charge of Federal Territories said the project will include recreational spaces, gastronomy experiences, social gathering venues, a food bazaar, sea sports activities, and water cruises. The project will focus on nightlife attractions such as the Labuan flea market, night trails, a stargazing trail, and seaside night restaurants

Sarawak Premier asked Sarawak Metro to develop a seamless integrated travel system for tourists. He wants to digitalise and integrate travel packages such as flight tickets, Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), and hotel check-in on a single platform

Malaysia Budget Hotels Association Johor chapter Chairman said budget hotels in Batu Pahat, Kluang, and Muar are recording a good occupancy during Hari Raya. He said this is similar to their recent experience with the Chinese New Year celebration. He said there are 246 budget hotels in Johor offering 9,840 rooms. Johor Homestay Association Secretary said those celebrating Hari Raya already made early booking to avoid last-minute hassles, and homestay and kampung stays in Johor ranged from RM200-RM380 a night

Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association Johor chapter Chairman said the government's decision to reinstate the 10% sales and service tax (SST) on new tour buses will cause financial strain on the operators. He said the 10% tax on new buses, which range from RM700,000-RM1,000,000 in cost, will add about RM70,000-RM100,000 in taxes. A bus operator said the price of new buses has increased from RM520,000 to RM700,000

The Kota Kinabalu Mayor has defended the increase in hotel licence fees back to their original rates, saying that they are crucial for city maintenance and beautification, which would in turn boost tourism

The Tourism Minister has said that around 140 million domestic tourists are predicted to travel for Lebaran, with 70% set to holiday on Java Island, and the other 30% the rest of the country

The Ministry of Tourism will organise Iftar @KL 2025 at Dataran Merdeka from 15, 16, 22, and 23 Mar. The National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) organised this event in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the KL Food Truck Entrepreneur Association (KLFTEA)

Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) will visit China from 9-17 Mar for a sales mission covering Kunming, followed by Chengdu, Qingdao, and Zhengzhou

Tourism Malaysia hosted its first consumer event in Guangzhou since the pandemic to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Promotion Campaign. The Tourism Ministry targets to attract 7 million visitors from China in 2026

Tourism Malaysia will offer 36 wellness tourism packages in collaboration with 12 industry players, including travel agencies, hotels, and wellness centres. The packages will start from RM248 offering various traditional Malay massages, tai chi, forest bathing, hot spring baths, and more. This package will be available until 31 Dec 2026. Tourism Malaysia said there are 365 registered spas with the Tourism Ministry

Home Minister said a special pass for investors and expatriate groups will be introduced from 1 Apr. He said the foreign investors will be allowed to enter Malaysia for 6 months with an option to extend 6 months. He said a Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV) will be provided to special pass holders. He said the applications can be submitted through the Xpats Gateway platform

Sarawak’s Transport Minister said AirBorneo will replace its current ATR fleet with new aircraft once the current lease period ends. He said the airline will continue the services until the end of the lease period. But, they have not made any decision to replace the Twin Otter aircraft. The airline currently has 8 ATR 72-500 and 6 DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft. He said the airline will acquire new ATR 72-600 aircraft to replace the existing ATR fleets after 2 years. Once AirBorneo obtained approvals and licenses, the airline will look into acquiring jet aircraft for regional routes

Kedah has been named “Malaysia’s Choice” for the MATTA Fair which is slated to be held from 18-20 Apr at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). The event is expected to attract 210,000 visitors. Kedah Tourism Exco said the state will host 170 events including 45 programs throughout Visit Kedah Year 2025. He said Langkawi welcomed 300,000 visitors in Jan 2025, increasing from 250,000 in Jan 2024. Langkawi recorded a 68.3% occupancy rate in Jan 2025 vs 58.1% in Jan 2024

The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) launched its Business Events Penang 2024 Annual Review. The business events industry is estimated to have generated RM1.3 billion in Estimated Economic Impact (EEI), +24.8% YoY. In 2024, Penang hosted 2,059 business events, +240.9% YoY, welcomed 305,259 delegates, +87.3%, and generated 558,543 room nights, +3.6%

IQI CEO said the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa program recorded RM455.8 million in investment with 782 new visa approvals since the program revision in Jun 2024. He said at the current pace, the investment will reach RM1 billion annually

Ipoh Mayor said the city will introduce more tourism products covering Kuala Kangsar, Kampar, and Batu Gajah to encourage tourism spending

Malaysia’s unemployment rate dropped to 533,800 or 3.1% in Jan 2025, -0.9% MoM based on the Labour Force Statistics. The Chief Statistician said the labour force in Jan recorded 17.22 million, +0.3% MoM, and the labour force participation rate is at 70.6%. Employed people recorded 16.68 million, +0.3% MoM

TravelInsurance.com.au’s report showed that 1/3rd of Australians’ international trips in 2025 will be to Southeast Asia. The data shows demand to Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia is expected to surge by 42% in 2025, and Southeast Asia is expected to attract 4 million Australian tourists

The Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions (MATFA) asked the government to reform laws affecting the industry to boost tourism in Malaysia. MATFA asked the government to clarify the overuse of the term “theme park” to distinguish between theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, and other entertainment venues. MATFA Chairman asked the government to amend the law governing the industry because it was from 1953, and imposes a 25% tax on family attractions

Tourism Johor Director said they are expecting a surge in Hari Raya shoppers from Singapore ahead of the school holidays. He said in 2024, 22 million foreigners visited Johor and 17 million were Singaporeans. He said 400 Ramadan bazaars and Hari Raya locations in Johor will attract locals and Singaporeans

Malaysia is expected to welcome 250,000-400,000 visitors during Ramadan. The Association of Bumiputra Tourism Operators of Malaysia (Bumitra) said Malaysia has a strong appeal as a Ramadan destination attracting visitors from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. From Jan-Nov 2024, Malaysia welcomed 4.82 million Muslim tourists, mostly from Indonesia, Brunei, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan. The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association President said they are focusing on attracting Chinese Muslim visitors. Vice President of Malaysian Association of Hotels said they saw an increase in hotel bookings for Hari Raya. The occupancy dropped early in Ramadan, but from the 4th week onwards, the occupancy recorded a surge with hotels fully booked for the festive week

International insurance provider William Russell released a ranking of the “safest countries in the world,” and the report shows Malaysia recorded the biggest improvement in safety ranking, 10th spot in 2024, from 19th in 2023. The company's research was based on data from the 2024 Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics & Peace and the World Risk Report 2024 by the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict. Singapore also made it to the top 10 ranking of the list

Malaysia targets to attract more business events from Australia. Recent data shows 373 business events from Oceania were held in Malaysia in 2024. The Director of Meeting and Support Incentives at Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) said there was a good number of Australian corporate meetings and conferences that took place in Malaysia without direct support from the government. In 2024, Malaysia recorded 734,638 Oceania delegates with an estimated expenditure of $355 million USD and $820 million USD in economic impact. In 2025, 63 business events from Oceania, mainly Australia, have been confirmed with an estimated 141,059 delegates and generating RM760 million in economic impact. MyCEB recently launched MyTriple# 2.0 initiative under the Meet in Malaysia campaign at AIME in Melbourne. Malaysia’s long-term vision to 2030 aims to target 216,212 delegates from Oceania with RM790 million in economic impact

Ascend Airways Malaysia, a new B2B airline, is expected to be launched in Malaysia at the end of 2025. The airline is a subsidiary of UK-based Ascend Airways owned by Avia Solutions Group. Ascend Airways Malaysia will service airlines, tour operators, charter brokers, government departments, and NGOs with passenger and cargo ACMI services. The airline will move capacity seasonally between Malaysia and UK-based Ascend Airways to meet the seasonal demand. The airline is in the process of applying for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM)

The Inspector-General of Police advised Malaysians against travelling to southern Thailand following a bombing incident in Sungai Kolok border city in Pattani. Malaysian authorities have improved safety measures along the border to prevent the insurgents entering Malaysia

Foreign Affairs Ministry advised Malaysians to avoid non-essential travel to Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces following recent security incidents

Singapore and Thailand will participate in the Pelita Raya competition program in Terengganu. Thailand will send participants from Narathiwat and Pattani provinces. Malaysian states, Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan will participate in the event as well

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) founder said choosing the Malayan sun bear as the official mascot for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY2026) is a huge step forward. He said the people will learn about sun bears and the threats they face. He said the VMY2026 campaign will boost Sabah’s ecotourism sector, especially learning more about sun bears at BSBCC. In 2024, 79,362 visitors were recorded, lower than pre-pandemic levels of 84,000

Langkawi’s hospitality industry is expecting a promising outlook in 2025 with robust tourism growth. Langkawi will undergo major development under the Greater Kedah 2050 roadmap with a focus on eco-tourism, luxury resorts, and economic expansions. The island is targeting 3.5 million visitors in 2025. In 2024, Langkawi welcomed 2.9 million tourists and generated RM7.03 billion in tourism revenue, an increase from 2.81 million tourists and RM6.43 billion in revenue in 2023. The Malaysian Association of Hotels said in Dec 2024, the hotel occupancy rate reached 78%. Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa’s General Manager said they recorded steady growth in tourist arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels. He said the resort will open its new grand ballroom annex with upgraded meeting rooms, which can accommodate 3,000 guests. Langkawi International Airport General Manager said since 1 Dec, the airport handled 3,900-4,900 passengers daily across 27-31 flights, an increase from 2,800-4,000 passengers and 21-29 flights

The Federal Territories Minister is aiming for visitors to Kuala Lumpur to learn traditional music and wants 374 licensed buskers to help promote this by incorporating traditional instruments

The Tourism Minister said from 2015-2024, 22,282 Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program applications have been approved out of 30,303 applications. The total number of applications from China was 15,053, and 10,830 were approved. 2019 recorded the highest applications with 7,948 applications and 3,598 approved. The lowest was recorded in 2021 with only 100 applications and 77 approvals. Overall, South Korea recorded 2,056 approvals, Japan 1,675, and the UK 747

The Home Minister said investors or expatriates will be issued with special passes from 1 Apr to allow longer stays for their business and investment purposes. The minister said they are committed to completing the remaining 11,700 applications for entry passes and permits by Jun. He said 80% of every 100 entry permits are from foreign wives who are married to locals. The Immigration Department issued 3 million passes a year, with the Temporary Work Visit Pass, Student Pass, and Spouse Pass being the popular passes. He said with digitalising this process the government can save RM13 million

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) will add extra ETS services to the northern region, and additional trips to the East Coast in conjunction with Hari Raya

The parliament passed a bill to offer a legal framework for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS). Malaysia estimates this will drive economic growth worth $250 billion USD and will source thousands of jobs by 2050. The Economy Minister said Norway has successfully implemented a similar framework. Malaysia can store captured carbon dioxide in the depleted oil reservoirs. The regulation will come into effect from 31 Mar

The Tourism Minister said from Dec 2023-Dec 2024, Malaysia welcomed 4,145,535 Chinese tourists and 1,464,499 Indian tourists, attributing the numbers to the visa-free policy for both countries

Lufthansa City Center (LCC) will conduct its Asia Pacific meeting at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru resort, Sabah, with 45 travel agencies. LCC Managing Director said they have requested Sabah Tourism Board to present on Sabah’s tourist attractions during the meeting

The 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey ranked Malaysia in 4th place as one the most sustainability-conscious travel markets in Asia. The survey gathered insights from 6,000 respondents in 11 Asian countries and found: - 80% of travellers are prioritising sustainability in their travel plans for 2025, surpassing regional average of 68% - 28% want to support local communities and economy - 24% highlighted a deeper understanding of tourism environmental and social impact - 25% emphasised the importance of purposeful tourism - 24% prefer to travel off-peak season - 19% choose accommodations with sustainability certification - 18% support SMEs

The Home Minister said from 1 Jan 2026, citizens from 63 countries and territories, including Singapore, will be able to use QR codes for immigration clearance when entering the country

Kota Kinabalu hosted the 2nd edition of BE in Sabah 2025 from 27-28 Feb. The event was organised by Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sabah Chapter

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and the Ministry of Tourism of Sarawak will organise the 28th edition of Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) from 20-22 Jun under the theme of “Connections: One Earth, One Love”. This year’s edition is expected to record 26,000 visitors

The Malaysia Boat Show (MYBOS) exhibition will be held in Langkawi from 21-24 May at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club in conjunction with Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition

The Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) said the increase in hotel licensing fees in Kota Kinabalu will cause hotel closures and threaten the jobs in the city. MyBHA urged the Sabah government to intervene to stop this. The licensing rate will range from RM40-RM140 per room per month based on hotel classification and occupancy. Previously the rate was RM10 per room per year. MyBHA said under this structure, a Second Class Hotel with 100 rooms will pay RM57,600, an increase from RM1,000 annually. He said the hotels are heavily regulated with licenses, tax, and health and safety rules, while STRA operators don’t have similar regulations

Home Minister said 786,603 Malaysians have downloaded the MyBorderPass app since the trial phase started in Jan. He said Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 & 2 recorded 25% of travellers using the QR code, 60% used passport autogates, and 15% used manual counters

The Tourism Ministry (MOTAC) led the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar and outlined 5 priority areas and deliverables during the Special Meeting of the Senior Officials’ Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (Soca) on 4 Mar at Desaru. MOTAC’s Secretary-General said the 5 priority areas are arts and culture, health, youth and sports, artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, green jobs, and climate action. The ASCC Strategic Plan will be adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May 2025

Malaysia’s 2024 arrival data shows double-digit growth from Europe including the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Arrivals from Germany, France, and the Netherlands have surpassed pre-pandemic arrivals. Malaysia Airlines will restart its Paris-Kuala Lumpur flight service from 22 Mar and it is expected to offer additional connectivity to Eastern Europe, North Africa, and South America. Executive Director of Within Earth Holidays said they have forecasted +20% YoY in inbound business from Europe in 2025. The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will be participating at ITB Berlin 2025 to improve engagement with European outbound markets

The government is looking at possibly establishing special economic zones (SEZs) near Kalimantan, Indonesia, or Southern Thailand. However, the Economy Ministry has said there has been no proposals or discussions on this matter

Sabah Tourism Minister said they are considering imposing new regulations to improve the safety of Mount Kinabalu climbers, including placing an age restriction. She expressed regret over an incident where an elderly British citizen died while descending the mountain