A selection of bitesize news stories currently making the headlines in Malaysia:
Malaysia confirmed as ‘Asia’s most loved country’ in 2024
Malaysia, voted Asia’s most-loved country in a survey last year, received 22.5 million foreign tourists excluding excursionists between January and November 2024, reflecting a 26% year-on-year increase. Singapore was the largest source of visitors, contributing 8 million arrivals, followed by Indonesia with 3.2 million and China with 3 million, according to Malaysia’s Tourism Statistics. Thailand and Brunei completed the top five sources of tourists. For 2024, Malaysia has set a target of 27.3 million foreign arrivals.
(source: VnExpress)
Malaysia hosts ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025
Malaysia (hosted) the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) for the seventh time, from 15-17 January 2025 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre. The key event was the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) which aimed to showcase Malaysia’s tourism initiatives during its ASEAN Chairmanship and gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026. The forum offered a vital chance to foster regional collaboration and enhance ties, marking Malaysia’s notable return as host a decade after the event in Sarawak. Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) played pivotal roles as the official airline and strategic technology partner, respectively.
(source: Travel and Tour World)
Tourism Malaysia explores tourism potential of eastern beach locations
The Consulate General of Malaysia through Tourism Malaysia Medan held an exploration activity or tourist trip to the east coast of the country’s peninsula with the title “Fam Trip Discovery East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia”. The four-day trip included several journalists from West Sumatra in addition to tourism activists or Travel Agents who are expected to be able to publicize and attract tourists to eastern Malaysia, especially the state of Pahang with its capital, Kuantan.
(source: Antara)
Tourism ministry to showcase UNESCO-recognised Malaysian breakfast culture
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will continue to promote Malaysia’s breakfast culture and heritage food in its programmes to reflect the nation’s diversity and strength as a multiracial nation. MOTAC Deputy Secretary-General (Management) Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said this was important with Malaysia’s breakfast culture recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) last year.
(source: Malay Mail)
To get all the latest developments and breaking news coming out of Malaysia in the weeks ahead, simply follow Panorama Destination on our social media channels:
