KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s drive to expand tourism beyond its traditional gateways received a fresh boost with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Tourism Malaysia and Batik Air, a move aimed at strengthening air connectivity, joint promotions and sustainable tourism growth ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the collaboration reflects a more strategic view of connectivity, where airlines play a defining role in shaping visitors’ overall travel experience.
“Connectivity today is not just about flights. Airlines shape both the first and last impressions of a visitor’s journey,” he said at the MoC signing ceremony on Tuesday.
According to Tiong, Batik Air plays a critical role in supporting Visit Malaysia 2026 through closer cooperation with Tourism Malaysia, stronger regional links and by opening access to high-potential secondary and emerging cities beyond the country’s main gateways.
“This is important because tourism growth must not be concentrated only in major cities. It has to be spread more evenly so that more states and local communities can benefit,” he said.
The minister also commended Batik Air for its willingness to operate routes that many airlines are hesitant to serve due to higher commercial risks, describing the move as vital to unlocking Malaysia’s full tourism potential.
“Each destination has its own culture, heritage, flavours and stories to share. Better access allows travellers to experience Malaysia in its full diversity,” he added.
As competition in the aviation sector intensifies, Tiong said airlines must continue to raise standards not just in pricing, but also in reliability, punctuality and service quality, all of which influence visitor confidence and repeat travel decisions.
At the same time, he acknowledged the role of travel agents and tourism partners as a crucial bridge between destinations and travellers, helping to shape travel choices and experiences.
On Batik Air, the minister said the airline has grown into a key regional player with an expanding network that connects Malaysia to major cities as well as underserved destinations across ASEAN and beyond. It’s hybrid service model and focus. -MalayaDailyToday
