VM2026: MOTAC TO REVIEW STRATEGY AMID WEST ASIA TENSIONS

BUKIT MERTAJAM, March 11 (Bernama) -- The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) will hold a meeting tomorrow to review strategies to ensure the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign remains on track following rising tensions in West Asia.

Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the situation could affect the country’s tourism promotion efforts, particularly involving markets from the region.

“We expect some impact, but the ministry will hold a meeting tomorrow afternoon to review the situation and formulate new strategies for the promotion campaign.

“Let us discuss it first within the ministry. I will announce the outcome afterwards,” he told reporters after attending an iftar event in conjunction with VM2026 at Mengkuang Titi Homestay here today.

Commenting on disruptions to flight schedules to West Asia, Tiong said the ministry is closely monitoring the situation as several major airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, have adjusted operations following airspace closures in conflict areas.

He said the meeting would also explore alternative promotional strategies to offset potential impacts.

Tensions in West Asia have escalated since Feb 28 following attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, which were followed by retaliatory strikes by Tehran against US interests in Gulf countries.

Earlier, Tiong officiated a Ramadan iftar event organised by Tourism Malaysia as part of efforts to strengthen the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

The programme, attended by about 2,000 people, aimed to promote Malaysia as a tourism destination rich in culture, tradition and social harmony, while allowing domestic and international visitors to experience the Ramadan atmosphere.

Among the highlights were visits to Ramadan bazaars, participation in mosque activities and traditional dishes such as bubur lambuk, nasi briyani and roti jala.

-- BERNAMA