Malaysia Remains Popular Among Indonesian Travellers

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia remains a popular destination among Indonesian travellers, particularly those seeking affordable healthcare services, with Melaka and Penang continuing to attract visitors from the neighbouring country.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said Indonesians, especially those from Medan, frequently travelled to Malaysia for various purposes, including medical treatment and business.

He said Malaysia's affordable healthcare services and quality medical facilities remained among the key factors attracting Indonesian visitors.

“Sometimes, because of business, people still travel. Like Indonesians, they come here for healthcare because our medical treatment is affordable and we have good facilities,” he told reporters after the memorandum of collaboration (MoC) exchange ceremony between Tourism Malaysia and IOI Hospitality Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of IOI Properties Group Bhd (IOIPG), here Wednesday. 

Asked about the Indonesian government's call for its umrah pilgrims to prioritise direct flights to Saudi Arabia over transit routes through Malaysia and Singapore, Mohd Amirul Rizal said travellers would ultimately make their own decisions based on their needs and circumstances.

“I think the government can advise, but the people know what is best for them,” he said.

He said it was still too early to determine whether the recommendation would affect Indonesian visitor arrivals to Malaysia, adding that October’s tourism figures could provide a clearer picture.

"We don't see the effect yet because it is still recent. I think we can see the October numbers later," he said.

Drawing a comparison with travel advisories issued during the Middle East crisis in March, he said people continued to travel internationally when circumstances permitted, particularly for business purposes.

Malaysia recorded 32.2 million international visitor arrivals from January to September this year, representing a 2.4 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period last year.

-- BERNAMA