Latest news with #Tiong
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's foreign tourist arrivals up 20.4pct from from Jan to May this year
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded a significant 20.4 per cent rise in foreign tourist arrivals from January to May this year, with a total of 16.94 million visitors, compared with 14.07 million during the same period last year. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said Singapore remained the largest source market, contributing 8.34 million visitors, a 26.5 per cent increase from last year. Indonesia ranked second with 1.82 million visitors, up 10.3 per cent, followed by China with 1.81 million, representing the highest growth rate among all markets at 38.8 per cent. "Thailand contributed 1.06 million visitors, a 5.2 per cent increase, while arrivals from India grew by 32 per cent to 664,811 visitors," he said in a written parliamentary reply. Tiong was responding to Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh), who inquired about the breakdown of foreign tourists to Malaysia from January to June this year, compared to last year, and the projected breakdown of foreign tourists for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 programme. He said long-haul markets also showed strong performance, with Australia and the United Kingdom posting arrivals of 198,968 and 185,197 respectively. Tiong said the numbers proved the effectiveness of government initiatives, including the Visa Liberalisation Plan, targeted support and incentives for industry players, and high-impact promotional campaigns. "These efforts include digital promotions and strategic collaborations with online platforms and airlines, which have helped position Malaysia as a top tourism destination in the region." Tiong said the ministry is now working towards the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, with a target of 47 million foreign visitors. "To achieve this, we will focus on key high-potential markets such as Central Asia, the Middle East, Asean, Europe and Oceania."
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Don't play politics, Tiong warns community leaders
SIBU (July 17): Dudong assemblyman Dato Seri Tiong King Sing has issued a stern warning to community leaders, cautioning them against engaging in political activities or risk being removed from their positions. Tiong, who is also Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister, emphasised that the role of community leaders is to serve the people, irrespective of race, religion or political party. His speech was read on his behalf by his special duties officer Agatha Ting during the presentation of cheques to 137 recipients of the Special Project Allocation (PPK) and 15 recipients of the Special Allocation by the Minister (PKM) at United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu hall today. 'I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to all Tuai Rumah and community leaders – Kapitan, Penghulu, Pemanca, and anyone holding such titles. Please stop playing politics. Don't bring party agendas into community work. Don't backstab each other. The people are watching, and so am I.' Tiong stressed that community leadership must remain neutral and dedicated to serving the community as a whole. 'If you're a Tuai Rumah or community leader, you must serve the people, regardless of race, religion, or party. If you cannot do that – if I hear more complaints about sabotage, jealousy, or efforts to undermine others – I will not hesitate to remove you. 'This is my final warning. Don't make me repeat myself next time,' he cautioned. During the handover, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Dudong division chairman Datuk Teo Boon Siew told the recipients to use the funds for projects that they had applied for. 'If you have applied for longhouse repair, make sure the fund is utilised for that sole purpose,' he said, reminding recipients to submit progressive reports on their projects, which should include photographs. Also present was PDP Pelawan chairman Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Tiong channels RM2.2 mln to Sibu groups, stresses accountability and real impact
The Malaysian Red Crescent Society Sibu chairman, Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee (eighth left), receives a cheque from Ting, while Teo (fourth right) and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 17): A total of RM2.2 million in federal allocations was distributed to 152 recipients here today, with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, underscoring the need for accountability and meaningful use of public funds. Of the total, RM1.55 million was disbursed to 137 recipients under the Special Project Allocation (PPK), while another RM660,000 went to 15 recipients under the Special Allocation by Minister (PKM). Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, was represented by his special duties officer Agatha Ting during the cheque presentation ceremony held at the United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu hall. In delivering his speech through Ting, Tiong reminded all recipients that public funds must not be wasted or used for personal gain. 'I hope these funds will be used properly and not just for the sake of spending, but to truly benefit the community. 'Every sen must go for something meaningful, not wasted or personal advantages,' he said. He added that recipients are required to submit a full report on how the funds are used as a condition for any future support. 'So you must submit your report. If there's no report, how can you get another round of support? 'I want to help, but you must also do your part. Be accountable. Only then I can continue to justify giving more funding to support your organisations,' he said. Aside from the cheque allocations, five laptops and printers were presented to longhouse residents, along with 10 hampers for local youth members. Also in attendance were Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Dudong Division chairman Datuk Teo Boon Siew and PDP Pelawan chairman Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong. funds Sibu Tiong King Sing
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
SMA Brings Digital Connectivity, Opportunities To Remote Long Busang Community
KAPIT, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Digital Programme organised by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) in Long Busang, a remote settlement in the state, has opened a new chapter in the digital transformation of the Kenyah Badeng community in the Bukit Mabong district. The two-day programme, held from July 9, attracted more than 200 residents of all ages and represents the latest effort by SMA to build on its initiatives since introducing telecommunications infrastructure to the area in 2019 - a move that has since reshaped the digital landscape of this once-marginalised community. The programme was made possible through the collaboration of various agencies, including the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Sarawak Public Service Digitisation Unit (SCSDU), SiliconNet Technologies Sdn. Bhd (SNT), the State Library, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Skills and a smart agriculturel entrepreneur, Cooplay Nyipa Aji. SMA General Manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng said the agency hoped the telecommunications network would serve not merely as a platform for social media but as a catalyst for the community's active participation in the digital economy. "This programme is designed to empower the community with digital knowledge and skills, encourage community participation in the digital economy and promote the Sarawak government's digital applications and services," he said at the closing of the programme last Thursday (July 10). The text of Tiong's speech was read out by his deputy, Dr Suhaila Jaafar. Tiong said the presence of SMA, along with other participating agencies, was not merely to introduce new ideas and technologies, but also to engage with the Long Busang community and better understand their needs and potential. 'This is crucial to ensure that every digital initiative we implement is truly beneficial and tailored to local needs,' he said. Meanwhile, Dr Suhaila told reporters that the programme also served as a platform to assess the progress of the community in Long Busang since the 4G and Wi-Fi services were launched by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in 2019.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Minister defends policy requiring tour operators to submit accident reports in 24 hours after occurrence
Dato Sri Tiong King Sing SIBU (July 14): Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing firmly defends his ministry's policy requiring tour operators to submit a report within 24 hours of any accident. In stressing this, he points out that ensuring tourists' safety is always top priority and thus, his ministry will continue enforcing this measure strictly. 'Numerous tour-related accidents in the past have already raised serious public concern, even leading to foreign governments issuing travel advisories against certain destinations in Malaysia. 'Therefore, the ministry will not compromise under any form of pressure or complaint. 'We remain firmly committed to upholding the principle of safety-first, to restore confidence in Malaysia's tourism brand,' he said in a Facebook post, issued in response to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta)'s labelling the ministry's policy as 'excessive'. In this regard, Tiong expressed hope that Matta president Nigel Wong and all association members would fully understand that ensuring the safety of tourists remained their most basic responsibility, and must never be sacrificed for the sake of convenience or profits. Moreover, the minister clarified that the accident report would facilitate tour companies in providing accurate information such as the driver's background and health status prior to the incident, the inspection records of the tour bus including its latest technical conditions, the travelling group details, as well as the itinerary and routes before and after the incident – all of which would help the authorities determine the cause of the accident. Nonetheless, Tiong was quite dismayed by the overly-defensive reaction from Matta and its members. 'Would they rather see more accidents happen in the country, with no accountability whatsoever, than to rectify these glaring safety loopholes? 'Why are they so quick to expand their 'comfort zone', lower the costs, and increase profit margins, while showing no interest in improving tourist safety? 'I urge all tourism players to reflect on this. How many tourism-related accidents have happened in Malaysia to date? 'How many lives have been lost during the two and a half years since I took office as minister? 'And what has Matta done to address this? Have they ever proposed safety improvements to their members?' Tiong pointed out that as the government could approve the operating licences allowing tour companies the opportunity to do business, it was incumbent upon the private sector to ensure that it would fulfil its obligations to safety and regulatory compliances. 'We believe this requirement of 24-hour reporting (after an accident has occurred) will encourage proper screening during the hiring process and more stringent implementation of safety measures.' Tiong also said it was unacceptable to use 'manpower shortage' as an excuse to compromise safety, noting that in past tour bus and also boat accidents, some drivers or operators were reported to have drug-related criminal records and yet, they were still hired. There were also recurring incidents, he added, such as the Pulau Perhentian boat accident, where passengers were not provided with life jackets. 'During my official overseas visits, foreign ministers frequently express concern over Malaysia's safety standards. How can our tourism industry thrive in the face of continued safety concerns?' In this aspect, Tiong hoped that the Matta president and its members would think carefully before making any public statements in the future. 'My ministry and myself are more than willing to work hand in hand with the industry players to grow Malaysian tourism. 'We sincerely hope for strong cooperation on this matter, and welcome more constructive dialogues and engagements to help build a more progressive and responsible tourism landscape for our nation,' he added. accident report lead Tiong King Sing tour operators tourism
