Kuala Lumpur:The Malaysian government has announced an allocation of RM935 million under Budget 2027 to extend the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) campaign, aiming to bolster the tourism sector and enhance its growth potential.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) acknowledged the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the tourism industry through this allocation. MATTA highlighted the importance of ensuring these funds result in tangible benefits for tourism businesses and industry players.

MATTA president Nigel Wong emphasized the need for grants and incentives to be accessible to all segments of the tourism industry. He expressed hope that the funding would not only attract more tourists but also ensure their spending benefits local businesses and the national economy.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as the Finance Minister, announced this substantial allocation as part of the Budget 2027 presentation. The funds are intended to support promotional efforts, infrastructure improvements, and international air connectivity, as well as assist industry players in organizing tourism events.

MATTA has pledged to collaborate with the government and Tourism Malaysia to enhance the country's competitiveness as a preferred destination for international tourists. Wong noted that MATTA's travel agencies could develop diverse tourism packages, incorporating ecotourism, heritage, culture, local cuisine, and community-based experiences.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) president Datuk Dr Angie Ng welcomed the allocation, particularly noting the positive trend in visitor arrivals from China. In 2025, Malaysia saw approximately 4.7 million visitors from China, a 25.1 percent increase from the previous year, with further growth in the first quarter of 2026.

Ng also praised the government's initiative to expand Quick Response (QR) code payment facilities to 15 tourist hotspots by 2027, highlighting the significance of digital payments for enhancing the visitor experience, especially for Chinese tourists who frequently use mobile payment applications.