The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) has announced plans to assist Malaysian states in enhancing existing tourist sites and developing new attractions to boost visitor numbers, according to Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Speaking at the Festival Budaya Malaysia (FBM) 2026 launch held at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur, Tiong highlighted that several states had requested federal support due to limited financial resources for tourism development.
“We must make an effort to secure allocations for the states. To all states, let’s work together to bring in more tourists,” Tiong said during the event, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen the nation’s tourism sector.
FBM 2026, themed “WOW Malaysia,” features traditional art performances and cultural exhibitions that showcase Malaysia’s rich heritage and diversity. The festival, which runs through September 16 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, follows previous editions held in Johor Baru and Ipoh earlier this year. The event aims to promote Malaysia’s art, culture, and tourism while providing economic opportunities for local communities.
According to Tiong, the festival has so far attracted around 772,192 visitors and generated an estimated return on investment of RM56.5 million. He noted that the economic benefits extend beyond tourism-related businesses to include local food and beverage vendors, transport providers, artists, and small entrepreneurs.
“This achievement proved that FBM has big potential in promoting Malaysia’s art, culture, heritage, and tourism,” Tiong said. He stressed that the growth and advantages of tourism should be experienced by the wider public. “Its growth and benefits need to be felt by the people.”
The minister also called on Malaysians to maintain a welcoming attitude toward tourists, along with preserving environmental cleanliness and natural beauty, underscoring that visitors’ experiences contribute to the country’s global reputation.
“Every craft, batik pattern, piece of music, and performance comes together to tell Malaysia’s story,” Tiong remarked. “This is the kind of Malaysia we want to showcase to the world – a country rich in diversity, but still united under one national identity.”
Other officials attending the launch included Motac secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud. The festival activities are scheduled to continue through the end of the event today.