SEPANG, Jan 6 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants all ministries to focus on enhancing capabilities in tourism and investment, with the involvement of all states in the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
Anwar, also finance minister, said every state and district has its own strengths to attract visitors.
“In fact, for this year, as we strive to make a success of the Asean (chairmanship), we will ensure our programmes will equip all states, with no exceptions, to become tourism destinations this year and next year.
“I have asked all ministries to focus on ensuring Malaysia can enhance capabilities in the fields of tourism, investment and economy. This is so no area or state is marginalised or left behind,” he said at the launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 here today.
Anwar said the involvement of all parties would help the nation achieve a projected income of RM147.1 billion, as well as its targeted tourist arrivals of 35.6 million, through the campaign.
The Prime Minister said that in promoting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026, inclusivity is a major approach to promoting the country’s sustainability and harmony.
“The impact of Visit Malaysia 2026 … will go far beyond the tourism industry to include hospitality, transport, retail, food industries... and the economic benefits will be shared by the urban and rural communities,” said Anwar.
He said the Madani framework is about inclusivity in the pursuit of sustainability, the attainment of a higher quality of life, and harmony between progress and nature.
[caption id="attachment_385631" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign launch at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, on January 6, 2024. — Picture by SADIQ ASYRAF/PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE[/caption]
Anwar also underscored Malaysia’s distinctive tourism offerings, which reflect its multiracial, multicultural identity.
He called Malaysia a unique, environmentally friendly, and sustainable destination with a culturally divergent and rich identity.
Anwar also praised the campaign theme song, titled Surreal Experiences, noting that it encapsulates Malaysia’s uniqueness and that it would especially appeal to the younger generation.
“...The theme song captures the inclusiveness of all districts and states in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
“It is catchy and I must thank (Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri) Tiong King Sing,” he said.
Visit Malaysia Year 2026 was officially launched today, along with its logo, mascots, theme song and aircraft livery.
The Malayan sun bear was introduced as the campaign’s official icon, with respect to its status as an endangered species and a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
The animal is represented by two mascots, Wira and Manja, which represent inclusivity and diversity.
— Bernama
