THE government has allocated RM350 million under Budget 2024 to boost tourism promotion and activities, in efforts to make Malaysia a top tourist destination again.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, said RM20 million has also been allocated for state governments to maintain and restore tourist attractions such as Tasik Timah Tasoh in Perlis, Kenong Rimba Park in Pahang, and Pantai Teluk Kemang in Negri Sembilan.

“An amount of RM80 million is also allocated to maintain and restore potential heritage buildings and sites recognised by Unesco, such as Gua Niah in Sarawak; Lembah Bujang in Kedah and Royal Belum National Park in Perak,” he said in his Budget 2024 speech today.

He added that 2026 has been dedicated as Visit Malaysia Year.

He also said the government was committed to introducing new initiatives under the Malaysia Visa Liberalisation Plan.

These include:

1. Facilitating Employment Pass approval for strategic investors in key sectors
2. Introducing Long-Term Social Visit Pass for international students who have completed their studies to meet the needs of skilled labour in the industry
3. Improving visa-on-arrival facilities, social visit passes, and multiple entry visa offers to encourage the entry of tourists and investors, especially from India and China.

At the same time, he said, the government has also agreed to relax the existing requirements for Malaysia My Second Home applications to increase the arrival of foreign tourists and investors in Malaysia. – October 13, 2023.