Tourism Ministry seeks funding to upgrade and expand Malaysia's attractions
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture plans to obtain budget allocations for state governments to improve existing tourist sites and develop new ones.
At the launch of the Malaysia Cultural Festival 2026 - ‘WOW Malaysia’, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture said it will work to secure budget allocations that enable state governments to refurbish existing tourist spots and develop fresh locations. Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing emphasized that tourists constantly seek novel experiences and that several states possess promising sites hindered by financial constraints.
He urged collaborative effort among the states to boost visitor numbers. The six-day festival, running at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, features cultural performances and exhibitions highlighting the diversity of Sabah, Sarawak and other regions. Officials present included Deputy Minister Chiew Choon Man and MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot. Tiong noted that previous editions of the festival attracted over 770,000 visitors and generated a return on investment of RM56.5 million, demonstrating its role in promoting cultural tourism and creating economic opportunities for local businesses and artisans.
