Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is being hailed as a major draw for tourists during Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (TMM2026).
According to Astro Awani, Captain Mahadzir Mansor, President of the Malaysian International Tourism Development Association (MiTDA) said that Malaysia’s global reputation has been significantly boosted due to Anwar’s extraordinary leadership on the world stage.
Honestly, our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar, is a tourism asset for Malaysia.
Many may not realize this, but one reason people are drawn to Malaysia is Anwar’s efforts and his leadership as Prime Minister,” said Mahadzir.
Speaking during the Pantau Agenda Reformasi session on Wednesday, Mahadzir added that aside from Anwar’s name, Malaysia is also renowned for its medical tourism, though many Malaysians remain unaware of this.
He expressed surprise at the skepticism some locals hold about Malaysia’s service quality, often comparing it to neighboring Singapore.
In fact, Malaysia is far ahead in various sectors, and this mindset needs to change. We must instill a sense of national pride in every citizen,” he emphasized.
Mahadzir also pointed out that ensuring a memorable experience for tourists involves prioritizing cleanliness, as it reflects the attitudes and discipline of Malaysians.
Previously, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) set an ambitious target of 35.6 million international visitors, aiming to generate RM147.1 billion in revenue during TMM2026.
