Malaysia records 17.5 million international visitors in first five months of 2026

Malaysia welcomed 17.5 million international visitors between January and May 2026, representing a 3.4 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. As reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS.

Experts said the increase was driven by arrivals from ASEAN member states, China, as well as Central Asian countries including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.

To maintain this positive trend, Tourism Malaysia is refining its promotional strategy by placing greater emphasis on regional and high-potential international markets. The government's agency Tourism Malaysia is also supporting the expansion of international air connectivity through additional flight routes to improve access for travellers.

Alongside international promotion, Malaysia is enhancing its domestic tourism offering by upgrading tourism products and introducing refreshed travel packages designed to encourage more residents to explore destinations across the country. The initiatives form part of preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and are intended to further strengthen the country's appeal as a travel destination.