By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 1: Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Seri Tiong King Sing has lauded the focus on transport infrastructure development in Sarawak and Sabah in the recent tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday (July 31).
In a statement, the Bintulu MP said that with significant projects such as the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR), the Pan Borneo Highway, and the Trans Borneo Highway progressing well, it would significantly enhance regional connectivity and improve accessibility for travellers.
“With Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY2026) on the horizon, the 13MP is more than just a development blueprint; it is a forward-looking, pragmatic policy agenda. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to transforming tourism into a high-income, sustainable sector that delivers meaningful benefits to all Malaysians,” said Tiong, who is also the assemblyman for Dudong.
Touching on the 13MP, Tiong said that with the reveal that foreign visitors spent RM102.2 billion in Malaysia in 2024, he expressed confidence that under the 13MP, this positive momentum will continue, positioning the tourism sector to contribute 16 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.
On the development of Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ), particularly in Sarawak, Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan, he said he was confident that these zones will unlock a wide array of tourism offerings and attract both domestic and international investors.
In addition, as of June this year, 43 potential sites have been identified, and Tiong said he would work closely with relevant agencies to expedite implementation.
At the same time, Tiong expressed gratitude that the government will be prioritising homestay tourism, which not only provides additional income opportunities for rural communities but also allows visitors to experience the community’s daily lives and cultural richness.
He also noted that plans are in place to add 178 new aircraft by 2030, which will enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in the regional tourism market.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the prime minister for his steadfast support of the tourism sector.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture remains fully committed to delivering the aspirations of the 13MP and establishing Malaysia as a leading high-income, sustainable, and culturally vibrant international tourism destination,” said Tiong. — DayakDaily
