The government has allocated RM935 million for tourism and culture as it extends the Visit Malaysia campaign into 2027.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocation would support promotional grants and tourism events, improve facilities such as jetties and heritage sites, and promote Malaysia’s arts, culture and heritage.
The government will also provide matching grants to encourage new direct international and charter flight routes from China, India, Central Asia and Europe. The scheme will be expanded to cover cruise ships, ferries and tour buses bringing international visitors to Malaysia.
For Langkawi and Labuan, the duty-free shopping limit for visitors and tourists will be raised to RM10,000, subject to a minimum stay of 48 hours. More locally made products from Langkawi will also qualify for import duty exemptions to support local entrepreneurs.
QR payments will be expanded to 15 locations next year, including resort islands where limited access to ATMs has affected small businesses.
To attract major international events, rebates will be offered to organisers holding events at venues with capacities of at least 10,000 spectators. Tax incentives for international incentive travel, conferences and trade exhibitions will also be extended until assessment year 2030.
