A selection of bitesize news stories currently making the headlines in Malaysia:
Johor Implements New Hotel Tax for Tourists
One of Malaysia’s most well-known states, Johor, is in the news for introducing a novel hotel tax that will have a direct impact on travellers. This new project, which is scheduled to start on 1 January 2026, is a component of Johor’s larger endeavour to enhance its public services and tourism infrastructure. The Johor Hotel Enactment Bill will impose the travel fee, which is set at RM3 (roughly S$0.95) per night. This new levy is anticipated to generate a substantial amount of money, which will be used to improve and develop the state’s public facilities, given the booming tourism sector.
(source: TTW)
Sabah Gears Up For Wellness and Medical Tourism
Sabah has just finished its first-ever medical and wellness tourism training for tour guides in Malaysia, and this is a historical development for Sabah, which is pushing it to become one of the top medical and wellness tourist spots in the world. This medical and wellness tourism training is a four-days-all-expenses-paid course that was sponsored by the Sabah Tourism Board.
(source: TTW)
GRACE Event Showcases East Coast Tourism
Tourism Malaysia Eastern Region successfully organised the GRACE 2025 event on 20 December 2025 at Hotel Paya Bunga in Kuala Terengganu. GRACE, which stands for Gathering of Recognition, Appreciation, Collaboration and Excellence 2025, was designed to celebrate and honour the contributions of key partners within the tourism industry who have worked closely with Tourism Malaysia Eastern Region. The initiative aims to acknowledge the collaborative efforts that have contributed to the development, promotion and marketing of Malaysia’s East Coast as a premier holiday destination.
(source: TTW)
New International Routes Drive Tourism Growth
Malaysia is set to strengthen its position as a key tourism destination with the introduction of 21 new international flight routes. This expansion is part of the country’s preparations for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026, a nationwide tourism initiative aimed at attracting more visitors from across the globe. The new routes, which will be introduced between December 2025 and mid-January 2026, are expected to significantly increase Malaysia’s air connectivity and boost tourism to the country.
(source: TTW)
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