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| Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia | |
|---|---|
| Agency name | Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia |
| Native name | Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia |
| Formed | 1972 |
| Jurisdiction | Putrajaya |
| Headquarters | Putrajaya |
| Parent agency | Cabinet of Malaysia |
Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia The Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia is a federal agency responsible for developing tourism policy and promoting Malaysia as a destination. It coordinates with agencies in Putrajaya, state governments such as Penang and Sabah, and international bodies including the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to support sectors like eco-tourism and cultural heritage.
The Ministry traces roots to early post-independence offices that dealt with trade and tourism under administrations like the Tunku Abdul Rahman and Abdul Razak Hussein cabinets. During the 1970s and 1980s the portfolio intersected with agencies such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Malaysia) and the Ministry of Information (Malaysia), reflecting development strategies linked to projects like the Kuala Lumpur International Airport expansion and the creation of PETRONAS Twin Towers. Reorganizations under prime ministers including Mahathir Mohamad and Najib Razak led to renamed entities and shifting mandates, aligning the Ministry with national plans such as the Malaysia Plan and initiatives like Visit Malaysia Year 1990 and Visit Malaysia 2020.
The Ministry's duties include formulating national tourism policy in coordination with agencies like the Ministry of Finance (Malaysia) and the Ministry of Transport (Malaysia), licensing and regulation in partnership with state tourism boards such as Tourism Malaysia and Sabah Tourism Board, and safeguarding cultural sites administered by bodies like the Department of National Heritage (Malaysia). It oversees standards affecting attractions ranging from Taman Negara to George Town, Penang, facilitating infrastructure projects tied to entities like Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Malaysian Aviation Commission. The Ministry also engages with multilateral frameworks including the World Travel & Tourism Council and bilateral mechanisms with countries such as China, Australia, United Kingdom, and Japan.
The Ministry operates through divisions similar to other ministries in Putrajaya with leadership appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Its internal units coordinate with statutory bodies such as Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau and agencies including Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and the Department of Immigration Malaysia for visitor facilitation. State-level counterparts include the Penang Tourism Action Council and local authorities like the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Cultural and Tourism Department. The Ministry liaises with education institutions such as the Universiti Malaya and vocational bodies like the Malaysia Tourism Academy for workforce development.
Policy instruments cover destination management plans aligned with the National Tourism Policy and sustainability frameworks referencing conventions like the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Programs have targeted niche markets—eco-tourism in Gunung Mulu National Park, heritage circuits in Melaka, cruise tourism via Royal Malaysian Navy port arrangements, and business events promoted through partnerships with International Congress and Convention Association. Pandemic-era measures were coordinated with the Ministry of Health (Malaysia) and reflected in stimulus measures similar to those by the Ministry of Finance (Malaysia) benefiting hospitality chains such as MYDIN-group hotels and restaurant operators.
Promotion campaigns have included national drives like Visit Malaysia Year 1990 and cooperative ventures with airline partners including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia', as well as international outreach at fairs like the ITB Berlin and World Travel Market. The Ministry works with media outlets such as Bernama and broadcasters including RTM to market culinary tourism in destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. It engages diaspora networks in cities like Singapore, London, Shanghai, and Tokyo and partners with tour operators such as Thomas Cook and regional platforms like Agoda.
Funding is allocated through the federal budget presented by the Minister of Finance (Malaysia) and debated in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. Revenue sources include allocations, statutory fund transfers, and partnerships with state tourism boards and private-sector stakeholders such as Malaysia Airlines Berhad and multinational hotel groups like Hilton Worldwide and AccorHotels. The Ministry has administered grant schemes and incentives aligned with national development plans including infrastructure projects financed through entities such as Khazanah Nasional and public–private partnerships with investors including MRCB.
Major initiatives include national campaigns like Visit Malaysia 2007 and the development of flagship events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak and the George Town Festival in Penang. Infrastructure projects overseen or influenced by the Ministry encompass enhancements at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the development of marine tourism in Langkawi, and cultural conservation works at sites including Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum and Batu Caves. Collaborative programs involve international cooperation with bodies such as the United Nations Development Programme and private partners like AirAsia for low-cost travel promotion.
Category:Government ministries of Malaysia Category:Tourism in Malaysia