Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ Malaysia is setting its sights on cruise tourism as a major force to boost the national economy, create job opportunities, and uplift local communities, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. Speaking at the launch of CruiseWorld Malaysia 2025 in George Town, Penang, the minister highlighted that cruise tourism holds great potential for the national economy apart from attracting international visitors. He stated that it can become a powerful tool for economic growth by directly benefiting Malaysians through employment, cultural exposure, and business development. “Cruise tourism should not only bring tourists to our shores but also help them experience the true essence of Malaysia,” Loke said. “Each cruise ship that stops here helps generate income, not only for tour operators but also for local food vendors, artisans, and small businesses.”
The minister urged cruise companies to consider Malaysia as a long-term home port rather than a mere transit stop. He emphasized that making Malaysia a major cruise tourism hub may boost visitor arrivals and earnings and contribute significantly to the national GDP. Notably, Penang has evolved as a major cruise destination, with nearly 100 to 200 cruise ships stopping at the port each year. Furthermore, to capitalize on this increased interest, the government also intends to expand the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in order to accommodate larger ships and more passengers.
Loke stated that improving current infrastructure is important to help Malaysia remain competitive in the region. Additionally, the nation also plans to make Penang Port a major cruise hub in Southeast Asia. To achieve this, Airlines, the Air Force, and the Navy need to work together to improve connections and safety. Also, the year 2026 has been declared Visit Malaysia Year, giving the country a great chance to include cruise tourism in its bigger plans for transport, tourism, and trade.
From a wider perspective, Loke indicated strong support for further regional collaboration. He applauded Thailand’s proposal to expand ASEAN as a unified tourist market, including the implementation of a uniform visa system to facilitate travel between Southeast Asian nations. “There is no need for ASEAN countries to compete with each other,” he said. “Instead, we should collaborate to make this region one of the world’s premier travel destinations.” With these initiatives and future roadmaps for tourism, Malaysia hopes cruise tourism will emerge as a strong contributor to its national economy while also showcasing the nation’s rich heritage and culture to the world.
