The number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia in the first eight months of this year exceeded the same period in 2019

On October 19 in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Director of the Malaysian Tourism Board, Lee Taikang, announced that over 2.2 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia in the first eight months of this year, surpassing the figures from the same period in 2019.

In 2019, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Malaysia first exceeded 3 million, a record that still stands today. Lee made this announcement during the launch event for the Mango Space project, a collaboration between Xiamen University Malaysia and Mango Media aimed at nurturing new media talents. He also presented awards for “Outstanding New Media Creators” to eight content creators from Malaysia and China. Lee expressed his hope that this partnership would effectively promote Malaysia’s cultural and tourism products to Chinese and global travelers, contributing to the “2026 Malaysia Tourism Year.”

In his speech, Lee highlighted the various advantages Malaysia offers, aiming to attract more Chinese visitors. Regarding travel, he emphasized that there are currently over 440 flights each week between Malaysia and China, and mutual visa exemption makes it easy for Chinese tourists to visit and experience a seamless entry process.

On the culinary front, Lee shared interesting statistics from the Malaysian Chinese Restaurant Association, noting that there are over 4,000 hotpot restaurants in Malaysia. He humorously remarked that Chinese tourists can not only indulge in the country’s diverse food scene but also enjoy tastes from home with ease.

When it comes to payment, Lee noted how the process has evolved for Chinese visitors. In the past, travelers had to exchange Malaysian Ringgit and spend it all before departure. However, thanks to collaborative efforts between Malaysia and China, mobile payment options have become incredibly convenient, allowing Chinese tourists to make purchases simply by using their smartphones.

Lee also pointed out that beyond popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca, Malaysia is home to many beautiful smaller towns rich in diverse cultural heritage. The Malaysian Tourism Board hopes that new and social media will help promote these towns and their multicultural stories, enticing more Chinese and global travelers to engage with Malaysia’s “Little Town Stories.”

“I believe that tourism cooperation can strengthen ties between our peoples and bring us closer together,” Lee concluded.