Tourism Reforms, Fair Enforcement Needed to Strengthen Industry, Says Datuk Tiong King Sing

4 February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The tourism industry cannot continue to operate amid policy uncertainty and uneven regulatory pressures, and must be strengthened through clearer policies, fair enforcement and closer engagement with industry players, said Datuk Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

He said continuous engagement sessions with tourism stakeholders are crucial to understanding the real challenges faced on the ground, particularly issues related to unlicensed operators, rising costs and inconsistent enforcement practices.

According to Datuk Tiong, industry players have openly raised the need to expedite amendments to existing tourism-related legislation and to ensure enforcement efforts are focused on illegal activities, including unlicensed short-term accommodation and unauthorised operators, which undermine legitimate businesses and government revenue.

“The industry is also calling for clearer policies, a more balanced tourism market that does not rely too heavily on one or two source countries, and more aggressive promotion of new and diversified tourism products,” he said during an engagement session with tourism players yesterday.

He added that concerns involving tourism transport services, tour vehicles, drivers and tourist guides were also highlighted, particularly the impact of inconsistent enforcement, unhealthy competition from digital platforms and issues affecting the welfare of industry workers.

Specialised sectors such as scuba diving, eco-tourism, birdwatching tourism, homestays, cultural communities and community-based tourism, he said, have stressed the need for more practical and industry-friendly licensing systems, as well as improved access to training, promotion and institutional support.

Datuk Tiong also acknowledged concerns over rising operational costs and regulatory burdens faced by licensed operators, the need to protect small businesses and SMEs, proposals to improve tourism tax collection, border and entry-point facilities including cruise terminals, and the importance of stronger coordination between the Federal and State Governments to ensure alignment with national priorities.

He assured that many of the issues raised are already being addressed, or will be tackled progressively, through legislative amendments, policy enhancements and more balanced enforcement measures. Matters requiring further consultation, including tourism transport, short-term accommodation, licensing frameworks and cost pressures on licensed operators, will continue to be discussed with industry stakeholders and relevant agencies before any decisions are made.

Tiong emphasised that enforcement efforts must prioritise curbing illegal and harmful practices rather than penalising compliant operators, while safeguarding the interests of small businesses, SMEs and local communities to ensure inclusive and sustainable tourism development.

In preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, he said the Ministry will intensify collaboration with State Governments, agencies and industry players to deliver refreshed, competitive tourism products and experiences aligned with the national agenda.

“Tourism is not merely about arrival numbers or seasonal campaigns. It is an ecosystem that affects the livelihoods of many, from drivers and small operators to rural communities and industry workers,” he said.

He added that only through trust, transparency and sustained cooperation between the Government and the industry can Malaysia build a tourism sector that is fair, resilient and capable of delivering shared benefits in the long term.

Tiong also thanked industry players for their candid feedback, reaffirming that the Ministry remains committed to maintaining open dialogue and advancing the industry together, leaving no stakeholder behind.