Malaysia To Highlight Rich Diversity In VMY2026 Campaign

SIBU (Sarawak, Malaysia), Dec 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will highlight the country’s rich racial and cultural diversity, as well as the spirit of national unity and harmony, in its Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) campaign, which aims to attract 40 million international tourists. 

Its Minister, Tiong King Sing, emphasised that these elements must be demonstrated to the world to assure foreign visitors that Malaysia is a premier and safe travel destination.

He said the nation's cultural diversity and the harmony of its multi-ethnic society are core strengths that will form the central theme of the international VMY2026 promotion.

“We have a great opportunity to attract tourists from across the world, including other Asian nations. Malaysia must showcase the culture of all its peoples, and every citizen must be ready to welcome a large influx of international visitors,” he told the media at the Sibujaya Countdown 2026 programme in Sibujaya on Monday night.

The highlight of the celebrations, themed “Towards 2026, Explore Sibu, Experience Malaysia”, is scheduled to take place at the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre in Sibujaya this Wednesday.

Tiong added that Malaysians have long lived in an environment of unity, harmony and mutual respect, despite differences in racial and cultural backgrounds.

“We must not allow cultural differences to be politicised into issues that spark racial or religious sentiment. Instead, we must prove to the world that this country consistently prioritises and upholds unity and harmony,” he said.

He also noted that last year tourist arrivals reached a record 38 million. As of November this year, the figure has already approached 40 million. 

-- BERNAMA