The Malaysian tourism industry achieved a significant milestone on July 10, 2023, with the establishment of the Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF). The federation, officially endorsed by former minister YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Binti Shukri, aims to unify member associations and provide a singular voice to government and stakeholders, addressing shared challenges for tourism growth.
Leadership and Inclusive Representation: Datuk Tan Kok Liang, former president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), assumes the role of MTF’s first president, leading representatives from multiple associations. This comprehensive approach ensures inclusive representation within the federation.
Roles and Responsibilities of MTF: The MTF plays a vital role in various aspects of the tourism industry, including unified representation, collaborative solutions, policy advocacy, knowledge sharing, joint marketing efforts, crisis management, research and data exchange, and stakeholder engagement. Aligned with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 goals, the MTF strives to position Malaysia as a premier global tourism destination.
Unified Voice and Representation: The MTF consolidates the diverse interests of member associations, presenting a balanced voice for the collective benefit of the industry. By pooling resources and expertise, the federation can effectively tackle common challenges, ultimately leading to the development of comprehensive solutions.
Inclusive Federation Membership: The federation invites other tourism organisations to join its inclusive approach, ensuring a united front for the betterment of the entire tourism industry.
Policy Advocacy and Holistic Approaches: MTF’s policy advocacy focuses on holistic approaches, covering crucial aspects such as visa requirements, air connectivity, funding for tourism players, illegal tourism operators, sales and services tax (SST) threshold, manpower requirements, luxury tourism vehicles, Umrah travel packages, tourism infrastructure development, regulations of short-term rental accommodations (STRA), reduction of hotel utility costs, modernisation of the Tourism Industry Act 1992, among others.
Nurturing Sustainable Tourism Practices: The MTF is committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices, advocating for policies benefiting the entire industry, and working towards continuous growth and development. The federation aims to collaborate closely with stakeholders, including the government, policymakers, and industry players, to elevate Malaysia as a premier tourism destination globally.
The formation of the MTF marks a significant step forward for the Malaysian tourism industry. The federation looks forward to nurturing a thriving and sustainable tourism sector in Malaysia, offering unique experiences and warm hospitality to visitors worldwide, with the vision to realise the goals of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.