Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that more than RM700 million has been allocated in Budget 2026 to boost the tourism sector.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said that RM500 million will fund the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and RM60 million will support promotional activities, marketing efforts, and the organisation of tourism and cultural events.
“RM50 million is allocated to assist arts and heritage entrepreneurs in generating income, including local craftsmen, batik makers, and weavers,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat today.
He also said that RM50 million in matching grants is allocated to encourage more international and charter flights to Malaysia.
Anwar added that RM25 million will be used to enhance tourism facilities, including the preservation of Unesco sites such as Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Lenggong Valley in Perak, and FRIM Forest Park in Selangor.
“RM20 million will strengthen health tourism programmes under the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council,” he said.
The government will also introduce tax incentives to boost the tourism and cultural sectors, including deductions of up to RM500,000 for renovations and upgrades of tourism premises.
Tour operators and event organisers will also enjoy income tax exemptions of up to 100% for international-level tourism, cultural, and business events that attract foreign participants.
