Tourism Malaysia has appointed Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim as its new Director-General, effective 8 December 2025.
The appointment was made by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Mohd Amirul replaces Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, who retired on 6 December 2025.
Mohd Amirul holds a Master’s degree in Tourism Management from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and began his career with Tourism Malaysia on 2 September 2002. Over the past 23 years, he has served in multiple key divisions covering tourism marketing, research and international promotion.
He previously served in the Research Division and later became Director of Tourism Malaysia’s Terengganu State Office. In 2008, he was posted abroad as Director of the Tourism Malaysia Seoul Office in South Korea.
His portfolio also includes roles in the Domestic & Events Promotion Division, the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa), and most recently as Senior Director of the Advertising & Digital Division. He also played a strategic role as Chief Secretariat for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), one of the country’s major upcoming tourism initiatives.
Beyond his official duties, Mohd Amirul is active in internal associations and currently serves as President of the Tourism Malaysia Recreation Club, reflecting his commitment to staff engagement and organisational well-being.
Tourism Malaysia said Mohd Amirul’s extensive experience across marketing, promotion and strategic planning positions him well to lead the agency as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026.
His appointment is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to elevate Malaysia as a premier global tourism destination in the coming years.
