Malaysia is two separate areas of land known as Peninsula Malaysia & East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak) which are seperated by the South China Sea by about 400 miles. Since there are no direct ferry services between the Malaysian Peninsula and East Malaysia, flying is the way to go, with frequent departures linking cities of the Peninsula with the vibrant rich multicultural heritage & the Borneo's rainforest in Sabah and Sarawak, estimated to be around 140 million years old, this rainforest are twice as old as the famous Amazon. (www.malaysia.travel)
It is hearteaning at the launch of VM2026, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled the endangered Malayan sun hear as the campaign mascot, symbolising the country's commitment to wildlife conservation. The two versions of the sun bear - male & female - have playful and friendly designs meant for broad global appeal to compliment the logo of VM2026 featuring the national flower, “Bunga Raya”.
Prime Minister said, “The campaign main focus, ‘Advancing Malaysian Tourism Beyong 2026’, highlights Malaysia's unique multicultural heritage and its aspiration to uplift the nation's position as a premier global tourism destination. VM2026 campaign forcuses on elements including Eco-Tourism and Sustainability, Modern Attractions and Innovation, Cultural Heritage and Deversity together with Strengthening Collaboration and Partnerships. With our sights are set on 35.6 million international tourists and RM147.1 billion in revenue in 2026." (www.tourism.gov.my)
I think to add value, as we move towards VM2026, we must leverage Malaysia's well-established local tourists to travel more interregion between Peninsula & East Malaysia in strengthening the on-going process of national unity and integration among the various ethnic groups in Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
As a Malaysian from Peninsula, I am fortunate for the golden opportunity offered by PETRONAS living and working in Sabah for one year in 1986 and Sarawak for more than two years in 1990-1992. I am confident that if every Malaysian traveled and experienced more of living in all the regions, can be the direct way to become familiar with various cultures as well as test of our adaptability for tolerance and harmony.
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