KUALA LUMPUR: During the unveiling of the Visit Malaysia 2026 logo, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim focused on four main themes: ecotourism and sustainability, unique Malaysian attractions, cultural diversity in Malaysia, and partnerships and collaborations.

He spoke of his goals for Malaysia to become a premium global tourist destination while keeping in line with the ethos of Malaysia MADANI, placing sustainability at the forefront of the endeavour.

The figures mentioned are ambitious, but Anwar believed they are possible, pragmatic and within grasp.

Malaysia aims to welcome 35.6 million tourists by 2026, generating an expected revenue of RM147.1 billion, which the Government plans to siphon into various sectors usually synonymous with the tourism industry for their benefit, creating a cycle of success and profit.

Pausing to lighten the mood, Anwar playfully ribbed the Ministry of Tourism, saying that their ‘role is to get money, not ask for money,’ eliciting a rumble of laughter from the audience.

Anwar then continued to laud collaborations among federal and state governments, government-linked investment companies (GLICs), private sectors, and local communities.

He commended the efforts by certain states particularly Willayah Persekutuan in promoting local tourism, citing that their performance has been exemplary in light of this grand initiative.

As Malaysia prepares for an unprecedented few years in tourism, Anwar hopes that cultural pride, sustainable values, and inclusive collective vision and action will be at the helm of Malaysia’s global appeal.

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* The article is written by Ng Peng Chin

* This article is part of “The Collision Room” by Astro AWANI, an initiative within Project Sigma, a global program by the Google News Initiative (GNI).