Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jan. 6, 2025. All government ministries have been directed to improve their performance in boosting the country's tourism, investment and economic matters, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- All government ministries have been directed to improve their performance in boosting the country's tourism, investment and economic matters, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday.

Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, highlighted that each of Malaysia's states possesses their own strengths to attract visitors and urged them to leverage these strengths, he said in his speech at the launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign.

"For this year, as we strive to make a success of the ASEAN chairmanship, we will ensure our programs equip all states, with no exceptions, to become tourism destinations this year and next year, in particular," he said.

"I have asked all ministries to focus on ensuring Malaysia can enhance capabilities in the fields of tourism, investment and the economy. This is to ensure that no area or state is marginalized or left behind," he added.

Anwar also emphasized that the comprehensive involvement of all parties would enable the nation to achieve the projected income of 147.1 billion ringgit (32.5 billion U.S. dollars), and the targeted tourist arrivals of 35.6 million through the campaign. ■

Guests attend the launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jan. 6, 2025. All government ministries have been directed to improve their performance in boosting the country's tourism, investment and economic matters, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng)

Guests watch a performance at the launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jan. 6, 2025. All government ministries have been directed to improve their performance in boosting the country's tourism, investment and economic matters, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng)