Strengthening Malaysia's Tourism Industry: A Commitment to Safety and Excellence

27 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing said tourism players much address challenges head-on and uphold the highest standard of safety and professionalism.

Speaking during an engagement session with members of the tourism industry, he said he is committed to ensuring that the country remains a premier destination for travellers from around the world as the tourism industry is a vital driver of economic growth and cultural exchange.

He said he had stressed on the importance of enforcement in the tourism sector, including the control of bus permits and tourist bank permits to ensure that the operations are transparent and safe.

“We are actively applying for additional enforcement officers and making every effort to ensure the continuous growth and sustainability of Malaysia's tourism industry,” he said.

“Safety remains a top priority. Last year, 27 lives were lost, prompting intense scrutiny from the Chinese government and concerns from our international visitors. Such incidents highlight the need for stricter enforcement and better coordination among industry players. We must work together, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and local communities, to prevent such tragedies and protect our reputation as a safe tourist destination.”

“I have observed that some industry players, driven solely by profit, have engaged in illegal activities, including misconduct during activities such as diving excursions. These actions not only tarnish our image but also threaten the safety and trust of our tourists. We are addressing these issues by strengthening enforcement and implementing new measures to ensure compliance,” he said.

“Our commitment extends beyond enforcement. We are investing in infrastructure, training, and systems to elevate the professionalism of our tourism services,” he said, to attendees that included hoteliers, product owners, federal agency officials, and state government officers.

Topics raised were activities involving jetties, the increase in tourism activities at district level, the opening of government land for tourism purposes, and infrastructure development. The attendees acknowledged that these matters require careful review and coordination.

Thie Minister said he will wait for the formation of the new government following the upcoming election and once established, they would sit down with stakeholders to address and resolve these issues.

Responding to calls from tour guide associations for more training programmes in Sabah, Tiong emphasised that upskilling is vital. He stressed that guides should have sufficient knowledge about local history and current conditions, as this knowledge ensure that tourists have a meaningful experience.

The Tourism Licensing and Enforcement System (TOURLIST) which has faced criticism for its sluggish processing times was also brought up and Tiong assured participants that the matter would be brought to the next Cabinet meeting. He will look into upgrading the system to enable quicker and more efficient processing of tourism-related licence applications.

Overall, the session served as a platform for diverse stakeholders to voice their concerns and collaborate on strategies to promote sustainable tourism growth in the region.