VM2026 Strengthens Regional Connectivity: As Inaugural AirAsia Service Connects Jakarta Directly To Kelantan

 

KOTA BHARU – Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with AirAsia, Tourism Kelantan, the State Government of Kelantan, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), today welcomed the inaugural direct flight connecting Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK) and Kota Bharu, Kelantan (KBR), marking a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The inaugural AirAsia service, flight AK2354, arrived at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP), Kota Bharu, at 15:50 local time. Operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 seats, the new route provides greater accessibility between Indonesia and Malaysia's East Coast, while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and economic cooperation.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by YB Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor, Chairman of the Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee; YBrs. Mrs. Baizuri Baharum, Director of International Promotional Division Southeast Asia Tourism Malaysia; Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB); and Mr. Zamani Rafique, Director of Global & Government Affairs, AirAsia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And Penang Restaurant Launch Flavours Of Malaysia 2026 In Jakarta

 

JAKARTA, 6 June 2026 – Tourism Malaysia is pleased to launch Flavours of Malaysia 2026 in Jakarta, in collaboration with Penang Restaurant, as part of ongoing efforts to showcase Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage and support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The programme was officially inaugurated on 6 June 2026 by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and Mr. Johnny Yong, Owner of Penang Restaurant, in the presence of Mr. Farzamie Sarkawi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta, and Mr. Hairi Mohd Yakzan, Director of Tourism Malaysia Jakarta, alongside members of the media.

A pioneer of authentic Malaysian cuisine in Jakarta since 1999, Penang Restaurant continues to bring the taste of Malaysia closer to local audiences through its three outlets in Jakarta. From 5–15 June 2026, visitors can enjoy special discounts of up to 20% on selected menu packages at all Penang Restaurant outlets, offering an even more rewarding culinary experience.

The Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, highlighted the event as part of Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to promote gastronomic tourism in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, showcasing Malaysia’s rich multicultural heritage through its diverse culinary offerings, while encouraging more Indonesians to visit Malaysia and further strengthening tourism ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Fair 2026 Kicks Off In Jakarta

 

JAKARTA, 5 June 2026 - Malaysia Fair 2026 was officially launched in Jakarta by Mr. Farzamie Sarkawi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Suriaghandi Suppiah, Chief Executive Officer of MHTC, and Mr. Hairi Mohd Yakzan, Director of Tourism Malaysia Jakarta.

The opening ceremony was further elevated by the special appearance of Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, MHTC Brand Ambassador for Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT2026), who witnessed this significant occasion.

Jointly organized by Tourism Malaysia and MHTC , Malaysia Fair 2026 takes place from 4–7 June 2026, bringing together Malaysia’s leading healthcare providers, tourism stakeholders, and educational institutions under one roof.

Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim highlighted the strong Malaysia–Indonesia ties and invited Indonesians to discover Malaysia’s diverse tourism, healthcare, education and cultural offerings through Malaysia Fair 2026, a platform that showcases the best of Malaysia while strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Misi Jualan Pelancongan Malaysia Ke Indonesia Perluas Peluang Kerjasama Strategik Industri Pelancongan

 

INDONESIA – Tourism Malaysia telah menganjurkan Misi Promosi Pelancongan Malaysia ke Indonesia yang bermula di Surabaya, diikuti Jakarta dan Medan dari 24 hingga 29 April 2026. Misi ini bertujuan memperkukuh kerjasama pelancongan antara Malaysia dan wilayah-wilayah utama Indonesia di samping mempromosikan kempen Melawat Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Delegasi Malaysia menghimpunkan 50 organisasi termasuk Penang Global Tourism (PGT), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), agensi pelancongan, syarikat penerbangan, hotel dan resort, hospital serta pemilik produk pelancongan. Penyertaan yang menggalakkan ini mencerminkan komitmen berterusan Malaysia dalam memperluas kerjasama strategik serta mempererat hubungan dengan penggiat industri pelancongan Indonesia.

Misi ini turut menyaksikan kehadiran YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia di Jakarta sekaligus menegaskan kepentingan strategik pasaran Indonesia. Program ini merangkumi majlis makan malam gala, diikuti seminar dan sesi travel mart yang memberi tumpuan kepada kempen VM2026 serta program MM2H, di samping sesi libat urus berimpak tinggi bersama penggiat industri pelancongan di setiap bandar bagi memperkukuh kerjasama serta meneroka peluang baharu.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Bolsters Visit Malaysia 2026 Through New Airasia Service From Batam To Kuala Lumpur

 

SEPANG —Tourism Malaysia is delighted to welcome the inaugural flight of AirAsia Malaysia, AK471, from Batam, Indonesia, which arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 today at 11.15 a.m. The arrival was officially received by representatives from Tourism Malaysia alongside partners from AirAsia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). 

The launch of this new route marks a significant milestone in strengthening connectivity between Indonesia’s emerging second-tier cities and Malaysia. This strategic expansion not only enhances AirAsia’s regional network but also serves as a vital platform to boost visitor arrivals from the Riau Archipelago. Indonesia remains one of Malaysia’s primary tourism markets, alongside other priority markets such as China, India, and Australia. 

The inaugural flight carried 180 passengers, achieving a strong full load factor on the 180-seat capacity Airbus A320 on their first arrival. The passengers comprised a diverse mix of travellers, predominantly from Indonesia, along with visitors from other nations including China and Singapore. The route operates daily, with flights departing Kuala Lumpur for Batam at 8.05 a.m. and return flights departing Batam at 8.45 a.m. (WIB). 

Welcoming this new chapter in regional connectivity, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal bin Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, commended the aviation industry for its continued commitment to strengthening travel links. 

“As we build momentum towards VM2026, every new flight route serves as a gateway to our collective success. Our partnership with the aviation industry reflects strong confidence in Malaysia’s tourism attractions. Improved accessibility remains a key component of our strategy to position Malaysia as a preferred destination for visitors from Southeast Asia,” he said. 

“We are pleased to launch this new route connecting Batam and Kuala Lumpur, which further reinforces our commitment to enhancing regional connectivity between Indonesia and Malaysia. Batam is an important gateway within the Riau Islands, and this new service will provide affordable connectivity for both leisure and business travellers while supporting tourism growth in line with VM2026,” said Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, General Manager of AirAsia Malaysia. 

In 2025, visitor arrivals from Indonesia to Malaysia reached 4.3 million representing a 2.9 per cent increase compared to 2024. Today’s launch of this new route is expected to further boost visitor arrivals to Malaysia throughout 2026. This new direct connection highlights the robust collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and the aviation sector. Both organisations remain committed to ensuring the success of the VM2026 campaign.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Celebrates Transnusa’s Maiden Jakarta-Penang Flight

 

PENANG, 24 November 2025 – Tourism Malaysia warmly welcomes the arrival ofTransNusa’s inaugural scheduled flight from Jakarta to Penang, marking a significant step in strengthening air connectivity and promoting inbound tourism to Malaysia.

The new Jakarta–Penang service will operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with daily flights scheduled to commence in December 2025. With a seat capacity of 174, the airbus A320 departs from Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, Jakarta at 0500 hrs and lands in Penang International Airport at around 0830 hrs. The return flight PEN-CGK leaves at 0930 hrs with flight duration of about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, said that TransNusa’s expansion into Penang is an important milestone in increasing connectivity options for inbound travellers, supporting leisure, medical, business and MICE tourism.

-Tourism Malaysia.

TransNusa terbang dari Jakarta ke Pulau Pinang bermula 24 November

 

KUALA LUMPUR: TransNusa, syarikat penerbangan Indonesia memperluaskan kehadirannya di Malaysia dengan penerbangan sulung dari Jakarta ke Pulau Pinang bermula 24 November ini. 

Langkah strategik itu menandakan fasa penting dalam rancangan pengembangan TransNusa di negara ini, selepas kejayaan operasi hariannya ke Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KL (KLIA) Terminal 1 dan menjadi syarikat penerbangan antarabangsa pertama yang beroperasi ke Subang. 

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan TransNusa, Datuk Bernard Francis, berkata pihaknya memilih Pulau Pinang memandangkan negeri itu bukan sekadar destinasi pelancongan, tetapi hab penerbangan utama di Semenanjung. 

Beliau berkata, berbanding KLIA yang semakin sesak, Pulau Pinang menawarkan kemudahan, kapasiti dan sambungan antarabangsa yang amat menarik.

Menurutnya, penerbangan bagi laluan Jakarta-Pulau Pinang itu akan berlepas dari Jakarta pada jam 5.30 pagi dan tiba di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Pulau Pinang pada jam 9 pagi, sebelum berlepas semula ke Jakarta pada jam 9.30 pagi. 

"Pulau Pinang sememangnya pilihan yang lebih baik sebagai hab alternatif di Semenanjung memandangkan negeri itu mempunyai banyak penerbangan terutamanya ke China, dan juga ke India dan Asia Tenggara.

"Kami telah menjenamakan diri sebagai syarikat penerbangan perkhidmatan premium. Justeru, fokus kami betul-betul terbang dari lapangan terbang utama ke lapangan terbang utama," katanya pada sidang media secara dalam talian hari ini. 

Selain melihat Pulau Pinang sebagai alternatif berpotensi tinggi kepada KLIA, Bernard berkata, laluan Indonesia-Pulau Pinang juga adalah destinasi dan laluan utama dengan pada tahun ini saja mencatatkan kira-kira 285,000 penumpang. 

Di samping menjadi tarikan pelancongan gastronomi, termasuk semakin ramai pelancong Indonesia menggemari nasi kandar, beliau berkata, Pulau Pinang juga terus unggul sebagai destinasi utama pelancongan perubatan dari Indonesia. 

"Selama lebih 25 tahun, Pulau Pinang telah membina reputasi sebagai destinasi perubatan terbaik di rantau ini. Infrastruktur, hospital dan ejen pelancongan di sini sudah pun lengkap menyokong industri ini," katanya. 

Dengan kapasiti pesawat 174 tempat duduk, TransNusa menyasarkan kadar muatan 75 peratus hingga 80 peratus dalam tempoh enam bulan pertama operasi, didorong oleh permintaan tinggi bagi laluan Jakarta-Pulau Pinang. 

Dalam perkembangan lain, Bernard berkata, TransNusa tidak bercadang untuk beroperasi di lapangan terbang sekunder di negara ini buat masa ini, memandangkan ekosistem sedia ada belum cukup kondusif untuk membina perniagaan jangka panjang. 

"Secara jujur, selain KLIA dan Pulau Pinang, kami tidak mendapat sokongan yang cukup untuk mengekalkan operasi jangka panjang," katanya. 

Beliau menjelaskan, keadaan itu bertambah sukar apabila syarikat penerbangan tempatan segera bertindak melancarkan laluan dan menurunkan tambang setiap kali syarikat asing membuka operasi baharu. 

"Apabila mana-mana syarikat penerbangan antarabangsa masuk ke pasaran, syarikat tempatan cepat-cepat buka laluan sama dan turunkan tambang," katanya. 

Bernard berkata, mempunyai program insentif yang jelas dan berstruktur, justeru pihaknya tahu bentuk ganjaran berdasarkan prestasi. 

"Lapangan terbang lain perlu mempunyai program insentif yang jelas selama dua atau tiga tahun untuk menyokong syarikat penerbangan," katanya.

-berita harian online.

Tourism Malaysia Wins Prestigious “Asia Best Choice Tourism Organisation Award 2025”

 

BANDUNG, 31 October 2025 - Tourism Malaysia has been honoured with the Asia Best Choice Tourism Organisation Award 2025, reaffirming its position as one of the leading tourism organisations in the region. The prestigious award was presented by Mediatama Award Management, in collaboration with the National Award Foundation, during the Asia Best Choice Award 2025 Ceremony held at Hotel Savoy Homann, Bandung, West Java.

The accolade was officially conferred upon YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and received on his behalf by Mr Hairi Mohd Yakzan, Director of Tourism Malaysia Jakarta.

Mr Hairi Mohd Yakzan, Director of Tourism Malaysia Jakarta stated: “We are truly honored in receiving this recognition. It reflects the dedication our team in Malaysia and Indonesia

in continuously promoting Malaysia as a preferred destination. This award motivates us to strengthen our partnerships, explore new marketing strategies as well as create meaningful experiences for travellers from Indonesia and beyond.”

-Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia Launches Banjarmasin-Kuala Lumpur Flights Ahead of Deepavali

 

KLIA 2, 20 October 2025 - AirAsia Malaysia (AK) today celebrated the inaugural flight connecting  Banjarmasin (BDJ) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) , marking another milestone in enhancing air connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia. The new service operates four times weekly, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Ms. Salinda Sany, Senior Director of International Promotion Division (ASEAN), Tourism Malaysia, together with the AirAsia team, welcomed the inaugural flight at KLIA Terminal 2.

Launched just in time for the Deepavali season, this new route is expected to boost the arrival of Indonesian travellers to Malaysia, further enhancing travel and cultural exchanges and supporting Tourism Malaysia’s efforts as we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair (MATF) Launches in Indonesia with Exclusive Travel Deals

 

Malaysia Airlines is pleased to launch its Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair (MATF) in Indonesia, offering travellers the opportunity to enjoy up to 25% off on fares to a wide range of international and regional destinations. Available for booking from 23 July to 10 August 2025, these exclusive fares are perfect for planning immediate getaways or future adventures, with travel valid through 31 May 2026. 

This limited-time offer encourages travellers to plan their next adventure to some of the world’s most sought-after cities — including Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Chiang Mai (CNX), Tokyo (NRT), Seoul (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG), Shanghai (PVG), Brisbane (BNE), Singapore (SIN), Da Nang (DAD), the Maldives (MLE), and many more. 

As a full-service carrier, Malaysia Airlines ensures a premium travel experience with complimentary meals,generous baggage allowance, and unlimited Wi-Fi on eligible flights. Customers who book directly via theMalaysia Airlines website or mobile app can enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including free refunds and unlimited complimentary rebooking on selected fares. Travellers can further enhance their journey with a range of personalised options, such as seat selection, Chef-on-Call meals, lounge access, and more. 

Direct bookings also unlock up to 15% savings on the next flight, along with special child fare discounts –making it even easier for families to travel with comfort and convenience. As part of its commitment to enriching the travel journey, Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme invites international passengers to double their adventure with a stopover in Malaysia. This exclusive offer provides a complimentary domestic return flight to one of seven exciting destinations –including Penang, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, and Kota Bharu – with passengers only required to cover the applicable taxes. Fully integrated into the international ticket fare, this initiative transforms every visit into a multi-destination experience, offering travellers the chance to explore Malaysia’s rich culture and diverse attractions. 

Adding further value to this campaign, Enrich members will enjoy an additional 5% discount on MATFfares. Travellers who are not yet members are encouraged to sign up for free to enjoy this special offer and begin earning Enrich Points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other lifestyle rewards. 

Whether you’re planning a long-awaited reunion, a cultural exploration, or a relaxing retreat, MATF is theperfect opportunity to make every trip more rewarding. With Malaysia Airlines, it’s not just about reaching your destination – it’s about the warmth, comfort, and care you experience along the way. 

For more information and to book, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com or download the Malaysia Airlines mobile app today.

-Malaysia Airlines.

AirAsia Sambung Semula Laluan Palembang – Kuala Lumpur

 

AirAsia Malaysia (AK461) telah menyambung semula laluan dari Palembang, Indonesia ke Kuala Lumpur bermula 18 Julai 2025. Laluan ini kini beroperasi setiap hari menggunakan pesawat A320 berkapasiti 186 tempat duduk.

Penyambungan semula laluan ini dijangka merancakkan lagi sektor pelancongan negara dengan menarik lebih ramai pelancong dari Indonesia ke Malaysia.

Penerbangan ini berlepas dari Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II pada jam 11:00 pagi (waktu Indonesia) dan tiba di KLIA Terminal 2 pada jam 1:30 petang (waktu Malaysia).

Majlis sambutan ketibaan telah diketuai oleh Cik Jesslyne Heng, Ketua Pemasaran AirAsia dan Cik Jamilah Abdul Halim, Timbalan Pengarah Kanan, Bahagian Promosi Antarabangsa Asia Tenggara, Tourism Malaysia, sebagai tanda sokongan terhadap penyambungan semula laluan ini.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia targets Indonesian travellers with new homestay showcase

 

The Malaysian Homestay Entrepreneurs Association (MHEA), in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, recently held the inaugural Homestay Tourism Showcase (HOTAS) 2025 in Indonesia. 

This initiative aims to boost Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Visit Homestay Year 2025, with a goal of attracting 25,000 Indonesian visitors to Malaysian homestays this year. 

Historically, Malaysian homestays were not heavily promoted in Indonesia due to perceived cultural similarities. However, Tourism Malaysia now recognises the unique appeal of their homestay programme, which emphasises host family experiences, traditional village life, and authentic local activities. 

Sahariman bin Hamdan, president of MHEA, said: “This programme is not just an ordinary tourism promotion. This is (to strengthen the) close relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia in fostering regional sustainable tourism.” 

Siti Hajar Mohd Yunus, deputy director of Tourism Malaysia Northern Region, said that Tourism Malaysia usually introduces the homestay programme to countries in Japan and Europe. She added that over time, they felt the need to promote it in Indonesia, despite the cultural similarities, because the mechanism is different. She explained that the programme uses a host family approach, with village food and traditional village activities, which they are developing as new products specifically for Indonesia. 

Malaysia is offering 99 new homestay programmes tailored for Indonesian tourists, covering diverse interests such as educational tourism, ecotourism, cultural immersion, history, nature, and adventure. These packages specifically target Indonesian travellers seeking experiences beyond typical city tours. 

With 223 homestays across all 13 Malaysian states, visitors have a wide array of options, according to Siti. Homestay packages range from day trips to overnight stays, with prices starting at 150,000 rupiah (US$10) per person. 

At the table-top session, TTG Asia found Pelegong Homestay in Negeri Sembilan provides packages starting at 80 ringgit (US$18) for a day visit and 200 ringgit for a two-day, one-night stay, including meals and activities such as traditional dance and village tours. Kuala Medang Homestay in Pahang offers activities like boat cruises, rafting, fishing, and traditional crafts. 

HOTAS 2025 is projected to generate five million ringgit in revenue from events held in Jakarta, Bogor, and Pekanbaru. 

The MHEA is actively seeking strong partnerships with Indonesian travel agents to continuously promote and import these 99 new packages. 

Indonesian travel agents TTG Asia spoke with view the Malaysian homestay programme as an attractive option for tourists seeking authenticity. 

Ricky Hilton, general manager of communication and CRM at Golden Rama Tours & Travel, noted its particular appeal to Gen Z and millennials who desire a “living like a local” experience. 

However, Febriansyah, owner of Fantastik Tour and Travel Kepulauan Riau, suggested that Malaysia needs to further adapt its packages to cater to Indonesian tourists’ pragmatic and budget-conscious nature, emphasising the need for unique destinations and attractions.

-TTG Asia.