Latest news with #ArtsandCultureMinistry
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt to boost VM2026 on social media
KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry will utilise social media platforms to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) globally. Its Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Xiaohongshu will be used to market Malaysia as an appealing travel destination. "The ministry is crafting consistent and effective narratives to make Malaysia appear as a prime travel destination," he said in reply to Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) during the Minister Question Time today. He added that Malaysia is employing targeted marketing strategies to attract tourists from China, Australia, India, Indonesia, Central Asia, Russia, Middle East, the United Kingdom, Chinese Taipei, Germany and Asean nations. "We are also increasing traffic of visitors to Malaysia by adding flight routes to main Malaysian cities from international destinations." He also said the ministry is engaging with online travel agencies to ensure that the travel packages offered remain competitive.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Govt working to bring stranded umrah pilgrims in Jeddah back home
IPOH: Efforts are being taken to ensure the 42 Malaysian umrah pilgrims who were reportedly stranded in Jeddah since last week return to the country safely, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said the government, through the Malaysian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, are making arrangements for the pilgrims. "I am deeply concerned and sympathise with the plight of 42 Malaysian umrah pilgrims who were reportedly stranded in Jeddah since July 25 due to the issue of unavailability of return flight tickets. "The embassy is paying full attention and arranging immediate measures to ensure the welfare and safety of all pilgrims, including efforts to bring them back home safely," he said in a statement on Monday (July 28). Dr Mohd Na'im said the government views such cases seriously and would not compromise on any party that tries to deceive or defraud umrah pilgrims, especially those involving senior citizens and civil servants. "Strict action, including through legal channels, will be taken against those who are complicit or guilty. "Since the beginning of this year, I have repeatedly reminded the public to check the status of companies and Umrah packages offered through official Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry channels, including a special portal and application for checking licensed travel agents," he said. "I call on Muslims in this country to always be vigilant and only choose legitimate, licensed, and registered Umrah operators with the authorities. I hope that such incidents will not occur again in the future," he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Operators reminded to uphold professionalism amid Semporna slapping probe
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism players must maintain professionalism and treat guests with respect, says the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry in the wake of a viral slapping incident between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the case was now under formal investigation, with the instructor already arrested. 'Let me remind all operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect. Violence, insults, or intimidation are unacceptable except in clear cases of self-defence. If faced with rude behaviour, respond calmly and try to resolve issues peacefully,' he said in a statement shared on his official Facebook page, on Saturday (July 26). He was commenting on the widely circulated video of the July 23 incident in Semporna, where a local diving instructor was seen slapping and threatening a foreign tourist following a dispute over a dropped oxygen tank. 'All relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent,' Tiong said. Initial findings indicated that the altercation began when a compressed air tank was wrongly placed on the boat deck and accidentally dropped, injuring the instructor's foot. This led to a verbal dispute, which escalated into a physical confrontation. 'I want to stress that if either party is found to have acted wrongly or broken the law, action must be taken accordingly, with no favouritism,' Tiong said. He also warned that the ministry will take firm action against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials, and travel agency approvals. 'We will take firm action against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials, and travel agency approvals. Travel agencies must use their own licensed vessels, and violations will not be tolerated,' he said. Tiong reminded all tourism operators to comply with safety and operational guidelines strictly, and urged tourists to follow instructions from certified guides to avoid putting themselves or others at risk. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, he said all tourism stakeholders must work together to protect the country's image. 'We each have a role to play in ensuring Malaysia remains a globally known friendly destination. Let's help every visitor better understand and respect our laws, culture, and norms,' he added.
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
National Vaisakhi Fest 2025 to celebrate Sikh heritage, nation's cultural harmony
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Vaisakhi Fest 2025, a vibrant celebration of Sikh culture and Malaysia's multicultural harmony, will take place on Saturday (July 26) at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (Matic) in Jalan Ampang here. The admission-free festival, to be held 5pm to 10.30pm, invites both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the rhythms, flavours and traditions of Sikh and Malaysian culture. Organised by the Kuala Lumpur Sikh Sports and Recreation Club (KLSSRC) with the support of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the festival is held in collaboration with the World Sikh Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (WSCCM) and the Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya Indian Chambers of Commerce (KLPICC). Organising Committee chairman Datuk Baldev Singh Kailay said the event not only celebrates cultural harmony but also reflects the Sikh community's ongoing contributions to Malaysia's development. "We hope this event will not only strengthen cross-cultural ties but also serve as a platform to showcase Malaysia's diversity to the world," he said in a statement Friday. According to Baldev, efforts are being taken to list the National Vaisakhi Fest in Malaysia's official tourism calendar, an initiative that would not only promote the nation's cultural diversity but also boost the country's standing as a must-visit destination for global travellers. This year's National Vaisakhi Fest promises a feast for the senses, featuring multicultural stage performances, Punjabi folk dances, lively and colourful Bollywood performances and thrilling Gatka (Sikh Martial Arts) demonstrations. Headlining the event are crown favourites, including the Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band and Malaysia Punjabi Bhangra troupe. Festival-goers can also look forward to a diverse selection of Malaysian traditional food and snacks, children's games, a hot air balloon experience, and explore interactive booths hosted by travel agents and NGOs, all geared towards promoting domestic tourism and cultural engagement. Held in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the National Vaisakhi Fest 2025 reflects Malaysia's commitment to promoting heritage, inclusivity, and cultural excellence on the world stage. - Bernama
The Star
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia's diversity to shine in VM2026
All love: (From left) DJ Jeff, Lee, Woo, Wang, Yeoh, Chan, DJ Cassey, Ng and DJ Danny posing for a picture at the 988 radio station in Menara Star. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's rich and diverse mix of ethnicities makes it an ideal destination for foreign tourists seeking a unique and multifaceted travel experience, says Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin. He said the ability of Malaysians to speak several major languages and the country's reputation as one of the safest countries in South-East Asia are among the key factors that will attract visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 'Malaysia is ideal for tourists as it is not just affordable but also a safe country. 'Moreover, we are multilingual and have a warm and amiable culture, which is another plus point.' He said currently, all preparations and steps to ensure VM2026 is a booming success are underway. 'We are heavily promoting the campaign through various platforms, and the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) is expected to launch the campaign in September,' Yeoh said during a courtesy visit to Menara Star yesterday. Yeoh said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, with support from other agencies, would also monitor and take action against illegal tourism service providers seeking to profit from the expected influx of visitors next year. 'We hope licensed tourism company operators and the public in general will provide us with information on such illegal companies they may come across.' Also present were Yeoh's private secretary Fu Yu Keong, Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, chief operating officer Lydia Wang, chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and senior general manager Sharon Lee Li Wei as well as Star RFM senior general manager Woo Bee Ay.
