Johannesburg: The meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to discuss the potential of the tourism sector between the two countries, including the possibility of reviving direct flights. He is scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg today to lead the Malaysian delegation to the Group of 20 (G20) Summit.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, said the country sees significant potential in the sector despite the absence of direct flights between the two nations. He added that tourism is viewed as a key driver of bilateral economic relations, particularly in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

Yubazlan emphasized that tourism may well be the sector with the greatest potential. With VMY2026 approaching, Malaysia will certainly place emphasis on enhancing tourism. However, the main challenge remains the lack of a direct flight between Malaysia and South Africa, which is a crucial factor in boosting tourism.

During an online press conference on Wednesday, Yubazlan mentioned that he has been informed that the revival of direct flights may happen in the future, either through the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, or a low-cost airline, AirAsia. However, he admitted that he is not certain about the timeline yet.

Yubazlan noted that Malaysia and South Africa have not had direct flights since 2012. It is understood that Malaysia Airlines previously operated direct flights to Johannesburg in 1992 and Cape Town in 1994 before suspending them due to a business restructuring.

Prime Minister Anwar, who is currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is accompanied by the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.