KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will promote traditional Malaysian cuisine throughout the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 to boost the country’s tourism industry. Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan announced in the Dewan Rakyat that local food will be served to foreign delegations at ASEAN-related events across the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khairul Firdaus emphasized the importance of showcasing Malaysia’s heritage foods to the delegates, aiming to elevate the nation’s traditional cuisine. He expressed confidence in Malaysia’s readiness to chair ASEAN and provide delegates with a unique experience.

With Inclusivity and Sustainability as the theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, MOTAC plans to ensure that the event’s impact resonates with all Malaysians. Additionally, Khairul Firdaus highlighted the Edu+ programme, which anticipates participation from 19,000 foreign students by the end of this year, potentially generating RM95 million in tourism reve
nue. The programme’s short-term learning packages, combined with tourism-related experiences at local universities and colleges, are expected to enhance educational tourism leading up to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.