By Muhammad Rafiq
DUBAI/KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) played host to a special Ramadan’s Iftar evening for foreign diplomats at the Sunway Resort Hotel today. Tourism Minister, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, extended a warm welcome to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing various countries to this auspicious event.
Among attendees included YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Secretary-General of MOTAC; Mr Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia and representatives from local media.
YB Dato Sri Tiong remarked: “During this blessed month of Ramadan, I am deeply grateful to gather with esteemed foreign diplomats to foster cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties. Through this event, we aim to foster closer collaboration in promoting Malaysia’s vibrant tourism offerings, particularly as we prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”
“The evening also showcased the richness of Malaysian culture, featuring a delectable spread of the local cuisine, enchanting performances of traditional gamelan music, and an exquisite exhibition of handcrafted songket, batik, and wood carvings by Kraftangan Malaysia.”
In 2023, Malaysia welcomed 20.14 million international tourists, generating RM71.3 billion in tourism receipts. This year, the country aims to attract 27.3 million tourists and generate RM102.7 billion in tourism receipts. Looking ahead to VMY 2026, Malaysia anticipates a significant increase, with projections of 35.6 million tourist arrivals and RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts.
