Tiong urges Malaysians to adopt friendly attitude towards tourists during VM2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has urged tourism stakeholders, civil servants and the public to adopt a more welcoming attitude towards visitors to the country. 

Tiong made the call following complaints of unfriendly treatment towards local and foreign tourists during the first month of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 

He said he had conducted on the ground checks and found that some tourists were dissatisfied with what they perceived as a lack of hospitality. 

He urged heads of departments and ministry secretaries general to work together to address the issue, noting allegations that certain officers had acted in a high handed manner towards tourists. 

"We ask all Malaysians to help safeguard the country's image. Do not let our image suffer to the point visitors think Malaysia is an unfriendly country. 

"We must be friendly, not only towards tourists but also among ourselves," he told reporters after opening the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's Mesra Malaysia Campaign at KL Sentral today.

Tiong said there had been instances where tourists were spoken to rudely by members of the public and even civil servants when seeking directions or assistance at markets and train stations. 

He also cited cases involving bus drivers who allegedly scolded tourists asking about destinations, telling them not to use the service if they did not understand. 

"So where are the tourists supposed to go? Walk? This is the root of the problem," he said. 

Tiong stressed that all parties in the tourism ecosystem, including government officers, must play their part. 

He said discussions would also be held with shopping mall management nationwide after the Chinese New Year holidays to address complaints involving retail outlets. 

"There have been complaints from tourists who said that when they entered a shop intending to make a purchase, they were treated as though they owed the seller money for 10 years," he said. 

On the campaign, Tiong said the Mesra Malaysia Campaign emphasises genuine service practices among frontline workers in the transport, hospitality, aviation and tourism sectors. 

"Malaysia's strength lies not only in its cultural diversity, rich food heritage, arts and traditions, as well as natural beauty and accessibility. What is most significant is the attitude of Malaysians, courteous, warm and always ready to help," he said. 

The VM2026 campaign was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 6, targeting 47 million tourist arrivals as part of efforts to position Malaysia as a world class destination while fostering inclusive growth across all states.

-nst online.