Tourism Ministry seeks funds to help states upgrade and develop tourist destinations, says minister

The Tourism Ministry in Malaysia is seeking financial assistance to assist state governments in upgrading and developing existing tourist attractions and creating new locations to draw in more tourists, according to Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Tiong emphasized the significance of attracting tourists to fresh and intriguing destinations, noting that some states possess numerous potential sites that require funding.

Speaking at the launch of the Malaysia Cultural Festival (FBM) 2026 – 'WOW Malaysia', Tiong stated that collaboration among states is essential to entice more visitors to explore Malaysia's diverse cultural offerings. The six-day festival, which concluded at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, showcased traditional arts performances, cultural exhibitions, and heritage exhibits from various regions, including Sabah and Sarawak.

The festival, organized by MOTAC in collaboration with agencies, partners, and cultural practitioners, attracted 772,192 visitors and generated a return on investment of RM56.5 million in previous years. Tiong highlighted that the festival not only promotes Malaysia's arts, culture, and heritage but also generates economic opportunities for locals, including food vendors, transport drivers, and small entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the festival serves as a platform to showcase Malaysia's cultural diversity in line with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026-2027 campaign, encouraging tourists to embrace the 'Mesra Malaysia' spirit, maintain cleanliness, and act as ambassadors for the country. Tiong emphasized that the festival reinforces Malaysia's position as a unique, competitive, and world-class cultural tourism destination.