Don't let people think this is an unfriendly country: M'sia minister scolds some staff for not being friendly enough

Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tiong King Sing, said he has received many complaints from foreign and domestic tourists about the rudeness they faced in enquiries.

He said that some tourism officers believe they wield power and do not bother to explain the issues that tourists may not understand, reported The Star.

"But these officers tried to show their power... (some even said) 'Do you know who I am?'"

Tiong was speaking at the launch of the Mesra Malaysia Campaign at KL Sentral on Feb. 11.

Mesra means friendly or harmonious in Malay.

Image at stake

Tiong said that public and private sector employees had to change their attitude if the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) initiative was to succeed.

"Don’t let people think that this is not a friendly country."

He said that Malaysians from rural areas were also looked down upon by some government officers and retail employees.

He added that he would speak to the shopping mall management about the bias after Chinese New Year.

"I don’t want tourists to tell me that when they buy something, it's as though they have owed the retail staff money for 10 years.

Mesra Malaysia

The Mesra Malaysia launch highlights practical service delivery for frontline workers in industries such as transport, hospitality, aviation and tourism sectors.

Plaques were also given to strategic partners who advanced Malaysia's hospitality plans.

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry released a statement which said, "what is most significant is the Malaysian people, known for being friendly, courteous and always ready to help".

According to The Star, Malaysia recorded 42.2 million visitors in 2025.

Top photo from Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association Penang Chapter/Facebook and Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association/Facebook