Did Malaysia actually pip Thailand to become Asean's most-visited nation in 2025? Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced in January 2026 that Malaysia recorded 42.2 million visitors in 2025, an 11.2% increase from the 38 million recorded in 2024 and a remarkable 20.4% higher than pre-pandemic figures from 2019. To put that in perspective, Malaysia welcomed roughly nine million more tourists than Thailand in 2025. Singapore remained Malaysia's largest source market, contributing 8.34 million visitors in the first five months of 2025 alone, a 26.5% increase over the previous year. With Visit Malaysia 2026 in full swing and a target of 47 million tourists on the cards, Malaysia was clearly not planning to give up its new title without a fight.

Source: The Star April 10, 2026 00:05 UTC