Tourism Minister: Foreign Visitors Complain That Malaysians are Unfriendly, Angry When Approached

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has expressed concern regarding the treatment of foreign tourists in Malaysia, following reports of unfriendly attitudes from locals.

Speaking to reporters, Tiong, as quoted by MalaysiaGazette, stated that feedback received from agencies under his ministry cannot be taken lightly as it can have a direct impact on Malaysia’s image as an international tourism destination, considering that Visit Malaysia Year 2026 started yesterday (1 January).

“I was informed that there are tourists who feel that the treatment is not very friendly, and some are angry. So, I ask all parties to unite to prove that our country is friendly,” he stated.

Prioritising the tourist experience

The Minister also shared that the government takes every complaint and opinion voiced by tourists seriously, as they reflect the real experiences of tourists during their stay in Malaysia.

Efforts to improve the country’s image cannot be placed on the shoulders of certain parties alone, but require commitment from all levels of society.

“This is a government initiative, not an individual’s. This year, we hope that more tourists will come, and Malaysians must be prepared to receive them with an open attitude.”

He believes that friendliness, tolerance and willingness to help should be the culture of Malaysians to ensure that tourists feel safe, appreciated and welcomed throughout their time here.

“Therefore, I ask all parties to unite to prove that our country is a friendly country and that our culture reflects openness to receive tourists from all over the world,” he added.

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