Tourism in Malaysia

Malaysia attracted an amazing 25 million tourists in 2012 and slogan "Malaysia Truly Asia" campaign is globally recognized. Plainly speaking, our greatest strength in tourism is its product diversity. Malaysia is fortunate to have been blessed with numerous tourism assets, from its colorful multicultural heritage and spectrum of flavors in its cuisine to the stunning beauty of its tropical eco-tourism. Malaysia also premised itself as a renowned destination for shopping, international sporting events, health tourism, homestay and 'Malaysia My Second Home' (MM2H) Programme as well as business tourism.
According to the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, the growth seen in the tourism industry is attributed to the support shown by the government in recognizing tourism as an economic driver. The ability to showcase great tourism products must be driven by strong government initiatives. This includes massive investment in tourism services and infrastructure development. Many efforts were also positioned by the trade and media partners to market and brand Malaysia. Branding tourism goes beyond fancy billboards and a catchy tagline. Malaysia attaches paramount importance to tourism and consider it as a cornerstone of its economy with the government as well as people playing their roles in its development. The fact that Malaysia attracts flocks of tourists from all parts of the world and is considered a major tourist hub is not merely a result of its natural beauty. Credit must be given to Malaysian governments and people for their commitment, dedication and hard work in developing tourism as one of the country's major industries. It was in 1972 that Malaysia established "Tourism Malaysia" to promote Malaysia as a quality tourist destination whilst contributing to the country's socio-economic development. Ever since, there has been no looking back. Malaysia's invisible export has grown tremendously and continues to remain a priority area in Malaysia's future growth.
Tourist traffic from different countries has increased in Malaysia over the years due to the Malaysia's ETP. The program has identified tourism as one of the 12 NKEA to promote the country's economic growth. Numerous tourism attraction projects have been planned and implemented to raise the tourist arrivals number to 36 million by 2020. The projects include improving the shopping experience of visitors at Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Asia's first Lego-Land in Iskandar Johor, duty-free shopping, increasing supply of 4 and 5 star hotel rooms to 37,000 by 2020, as well as holding business and international events (Meetings, Conventions and Exhibitions) to promote business tourism. Tourism Malaysia is working towards increasing flights to 6 priority countries, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan. Tourism is expected to boost to welcome 28 million arrivals via Malaysia's intensive marketing and branding strategy for its "Visit Malaysia Year 2014" which has become a national mission. According to data available from Tourism Malaysia, 79,989 Pakistani tourists visited Malaysia in 2012, a healthy increase of 9.5% from 73,046 recorded in 2011. This rise might have resulted among others from the growing interest among Pakistanis in seeking a greener pasture from the booming Malaysian economy for improved financial standing, as well as, to find new 'home' from prevailing security situation in Pakistan. Pakistan ranked number 24th in term of most tourist arrival in Malaysia.
Malaysia is also fast becoming a popular spot for healthcare and wellness tourists. Medical tourists to Malaysia jumped from 336,000 in 2009 to 583,000 in 2011. It grew more than 14 times during the last ten years to boast revenue of RM511 million (USD168 million) in 2011. Indonesia has been the biggest contributor to Malaysia's medical tourism (57%), followed by Japan and India (3% each), China, Iran, UK and US (2% each), Libya and Nepal (1% each) and other countries (25%). The increase is driven by cost-effective treatment, advanced medical facilities, well-trained doctors, visa benefit for medical tourists and short waiting period. It has become very obvious that medical and healthcare costs in the US and Europe are currently at a premium. With the global economic slowdown, there is a higher demand for low cost travel and Malaysia is offering good value for the money which is the key to its success in Medical tourism.
Malaysia has positioned itself as the ultimate destination for meetings, business conventions and exhibitions. In the first quarter of 2012, the Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), that assists in meeting and event planning, attracted 33 major business events, almost 51,000 delegates and raked in RM499.9 million in revenues. According to the International Congress and Convention Association, the global meetings industry network, Kuala Lumpur ranks at 21 in the world and at 5 in Asia Pacific.
Malaysia has and will continue to promote itself as host for various sporting events recognized the world over. Malaysia has had the honor of hosting the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the 1999 Golf World Cup. Malaysia is also the venue for many prestigious international sporting events such as the Petronas Formula 1 Grand Prix, the MotoGP World Championship, the F1 Powerboat Malaysia Grand Prix and the Asian Tour Le Tour de Langkawi to name a few. Malaysia also has more than 250 golf courses for golfing events and devotees. Three (3) main golf events in Malaysia are the European Tour Maybank Malaysian Open, the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, and the CIMB Classic Golf Championship , the only PGA tour sanctioned event in the region, in which current world no. 1 Tiger Woods played in 2012.
Malaysia too places supreme importance to ensuring the sustainability and quality of its natural resources. Nearly 75% of Malaysia's land area remains forested, with 60% virgin rainforest. Jungle trekking, cave exploration, white water rafting and mountain climbing are among the top activities under Eco-tourism. Agro-tourism is yet another attraction for tourists to visit Malaysia's orchards and farms.
Gastronomy is another thriving facet in our tourism industry. We have a breathtaking recipe to suit the taste and preference of every visitor. The culinary scene in Malaysia is an exotic gastronomic celebration. With its wide variety of cooking styles and flavors, our taste buds will be tantalized by the blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian multicultural recipes. Different states are all known for their distinctive signature dishes. Malaysia also has a thriving street food culture. This is a must-try experience for visitors to Malaysia, where one can try the mouth-watering local and authentic Malaysian favorites.
"Malaysia My Second Home" (MM2H) Programme is initiated by the government to attract foreign retirees and expats by offering a renewable 10-year stay visa. Participants can enjoy various privileges under this programme. MM2H has also been introduced to attract more investors, not only to come and live in the country but also to invest in the initial placement of fixed deposit in Malaysian banks and purchase of properties. Apart from finance and property, education and healthcare sectors are also enjoying the spillover effects as the MM2H participants enroll their children in the international schools and use the healthcare services available in the country. With its multicultural background, dynamic lifestyle, politically stable and robust economy, Malaysia can be a top destination for those who wish to enjoy their life at a lower cost, especially during the downturn of global economy. There are many reasons for foreigners to participate in the programme, notably due to quality of life, affordable cost for education, friendly government policies, developed infrastructure, Currently, Pakistan is in the list of top 10 participating countries. In the past four years, 513 Pakistani principle applicants have successfully subscribed to MM2H, joining some 18,000 foreigners from 120 countries in the programme.
Citizens of all countries recognized by Malaysia are eligible to apply for MM2H. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 are also allowed to be brought under the programme. Applicants of age 50 and above are required to open a fixed deposit account at a local branch in Malaysia of RM150,000 or show proof of a monthly government pension (off-shore) of RM10,000 or more. Applicants below age 50 are required to open a fixed deposit account at a local branch of RM300,000. Applicants (along with families) are also required to hold a valid medical insurance policy for their stay in Malaysia. A medical report from a local hospital also needs to be submitted. MM2H visa holders are allowed to work or seek employment in Malaysia upon special approval of the Expatriate Committee. Qualified applicants of age 50 and above with specialized skills and expertise who can contribute to important sectors of Malaysia's economy are allowed to work on approval of the Expatriate Committee. All MM2H visa holders are also allowed to set up a company after applying for an employment pass. Under the programme, purchasing property is not a requirement and visa holders can rent a place to stay.