By DayakDaily Team
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6: A total of RM150 million has been allocated to strengthen cultural and arts programmes as major tourist attractions under Visit Malaysia Year (VM 2026).
Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said with the funding, the ministry will collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, cultural associations, and artists through incentives and grants to further boost the implementation of arts, culture, and heritage programmes.
“MOTAC, through the Department of National Culture and Arts (JKKN) and the National Heritage Department (JWN), will continue to promote local cultural heritage arts such as silat, Mak Yong, Mek Mulung, and various traditional arts in preparation for ASEAN 2025 and the VM2026 Campaign.
“As I have always emphasised, State Governments are requested to work closely with MOTAC through JKKN in implementing such programs,” Tiong said in his ministerial winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat which was broadcast live on the Malaysian Parliament’s YouTube channel today.
As part of efforts to increase demand for local crafts, he said the ministry also extends its appreciation to Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his recommendation in National Budget 2025 and his directive to make craft products, such as Malaysian Batik, the official souvenirs at government events and for foreign delegations.
Earlier, Tiong noted that MOTAC has been allocated a total of RM400 million under Budget 2025 to prepare for the organisation of the VM2026 Campaign, which includes promotional, marketing, and advertising programmes, as well as the hosting of signature events.
Additionally, RM130 million has been allocated in the form of support grants to stimulate the organisation of tourism, arts and culture events, as well as connectivity, through Geran Sokongan Sektor Pelancongan (GSSP or Tourism Sector Support Grant), Geran Sokongan Sektor Kebudayaan (GSSK or Cultural Sector Support Grant), Geran Sepadan Penerbangan Charter (GSPC or Charter Flight Matching Grant), and Geran Padanan Galakan Melancong (GAMELAN or Travel Promotion Matching Grant). — DayakDaily
