Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has announced its plans to secure allocations intended to assist state governments in upgrading existing tourist destinations and developing new ones to attract a higher influx of tourists. The initiative is spearheaded by MOTAC's minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who emphasized the significance of offering fresh and engaging destinations to tourists. Despite the potential of various locations across states, many face financial limitations, hindering their development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tiong highlighted the necessity for all states to collaborate in drawing more tourists to their regions. He stressed the importance of securing allocations during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Malaysia Cultural Festival (FBM) 2026 - 'WOW Malaysia'. The event saw the presence of Deputy Minister Chiew Choon Man and MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot.
The six-day FBM, hosted at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa until Wednesday, showcases a range of activities such as traditional arts performances, cultural exhibitions, and heritage displays from regions including Sabah and Sarawak. Organised by MOTAC with assistance from agencies, strategic partners, and arts and cultural practitioners, the festival aims to highlight the country's artistic beauty, cultural richness, and heritage.
Tiong shared that past iterations of the FBM in locations like Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Johor Bahru, and Ipoh, Perak, collectively attracted 772,192 visitors and generated a return on investment (ROI) of RM56.5 million. These figures underscore the festival's potential to enhance Malaysia's arts, culture, heritage, and tourism sectors.
The festival not only promotes cultural diversity but also fosters economic opportunities for various groups, including local food operators, transport drivers, arts practitioners, small entrepreneurs, and craft artisans. Tiong reiterated the festival's role in supporting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026-2027 campaign by showcasing Malaysia's cultural diversity and encouraging citizens to embrace and welcome visitors with warmth, cleanliness, and a sense of national pride.
Tiong expressed hope that the festival would continue to unite people, foster a love for the arts, culture, and heritage, and create opportunities for arts practitioners, local communities, and tourism industry players. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to position Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia as competitive and world-class cultural tourism destinations.