TIONG CALLS ON MALAYSIANS TO SHOWCASE HOSPITALITY FOR VMY2026

SEPANG, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is calling on Malaysians to showcase their famous hospitality and friendly spirit to welcome international visitors for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

He said the government has implemented various initiatives to make VMY2026 a success and that citizens need to cooperate in setting the best example, including by prioritising cleanliness in public areas.

"I have received complaints and have sought explanations from the relevant agencies. They informed me that when tourists ask for help, some members of the public have been less than friendly and even appeared irritated. 

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"I urge everyone to work together to prove that our country is a very welcoming nation and that our culture must reflect a warm attitude towards tourists from all over the world," he told reporters after welcoming the arrival of international visitors at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA T1) earlier today.

He said that VMY2026 promotional efforts are progressing well and have been met with encouraging feedback from locals and international tourists alike.

Earlier, at KLIA Terminal 1, Tiong was joined by MOTAC officials and Tourism Malaysia chairman Datuk P Manoharan to greet arriving tourists, welcoming them with special gift bags.

The occasion featured a cultural performance and an appearance of the official VMY2026 mascots, Wira and Manja.

The airport was a primary launch site for the VMY2026 campaign, with similar welcome events held simultaneously at 55 major entry points and selected venues nationwide. 

In a separate statement, Tourism Malaysia announced that the VMY2026 calendar features more than 300 programmes and events throughout the year, highlighting art and culture, heritage, and Malaysia's multi-ethnic diversity through various celebrations and festive traditions.

Key highlighted events include the VMY2026 Chinese New Year Festival, the VMY2026 Aidilfitri Festival, the VMY2026 Deepavali Festival, the VMY2026 Christmas Fest, and unique local celebrations like the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals.

"Malaysia aims to attract 43 million international visitors in 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the tourism sector as a key driver of national economic growth," said Tourism Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA