Melaka: Melaka has been identified as one of the destinations to drive the health tourism segment, particularly among Indonesian tourists, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), according to Tourism Malaysia. Its Administrative Division director Amirul Ariffin Md Nasir highlighted that expertise and competitive costs are among the unique selling propositions making Melaka a preferred choice for Indonesian health tourists seeking screening, examination, and treatment services. This initiative is expected to generate positive returns for the country's tourism industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka is also popular for its tourism offerings, including food, shopping, arts, culture, and heritage. Its easy accessibility and short travel time, such as the sea route through the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex at the Melaka-Dumai International Ferry Terminal, further enhance its appeal. Tourism Malaysia is working closely with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) to drive the health tourism industry under the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, particularly targeting the Indonesian market.
This effort aligns with the MADANI Government's initiative, which has allocated RM20 million under Budget 2026 to attract health tourists and generate revenue of up to RM3 billion. Amirul Ariffin shared these insights during a special tourist reception programme at the Melaka-Dumai International Ferry Terminal ICQS, where 160 tourists from Dumai, Indonesia, received a warm welcome upon their arrival by ferry.
Tourism Malaysia continues to support state governments' efforts to strengthen their tourism industries, including Melaka, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan, which are implementing their respective visit state year programmes. Over 300 events will be organised nationwide in conjunction with VM2026 across various tourism segments to attract domestic and international tourists. Amirul Ariffin noted that the organisation of programmes depends on the initiatives of the respective states, with Tourism Malaysia providing support through campaigns and promotions.
An Indonesian tourist from Dumai, Dwi Ambar Setyaningsih, expressed her family's preference for Melaka and Malaysia for celebrating the New Year and enjoying the food and tourist destinations. Similarly, Wesly Siagian, another tourist from Dumai, cited Malaysia's peaceful atmosphere, attractive destinations, and the friendliness of its people as reasons for choosing to visit. Both tourists shared their travel plans and experiences, indicating the ongoing appeal of Malaysia as a tourist destination.