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This Spotlight is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Known as Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia (AKM) 100 Hari Ahli Jemaah Menteri, the initiatives are grounded upon six core pillars. This includes restructuring the economy and improvement of overall infrastructure in the country.
MOTAC identified three initiatives it intends to achieve under AKM, which began on 1 September.
In a recent press conference, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri spoke about the progress of these initiatives, designed to rejuvenate local tourism and cultural sectors.
1. The reopening of Langkawi, Kedah as part of a domestic travel bubble pilot project, followed by all other states in Malaysia
Status achieved as of 8 November: 100%
Malaysians were allowed to travel to Langkawi island, beginning 16 September. The news came when Ismail announced that the popular tourist destination was picked to initiate the travel bubble programme, in a statement on 2 September.
Through this programme, MOTAC’s goal is to eventually reopen all 14 states to boost the country’s domestic tourism and cultural sectors, done in accordance with criteria set by the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN), as well as permission from each state government. Fully vaccinated individuals are now free to travel interstate, besides being able to travel overseas for tourism purposes.
2. An e-voucher redemption scheme for Malaysians to use on air tickets, hotel stays, local arts and crafts, and books
Status achieved as of 8 November: 59.42%
A total of RM5,865,000 is allocated in the form of e-vouchers, which Malaysians can redeem from various airlines and hotels.
According to MOTAC, RM3,485,070 worth of vouchers have been redeemed so far. This covers the purchase of local books, as well as arts and crafts.
Here’s what Malaysians get to redeem under this initiative:
Airlines
– RM100 rebate from Malaysia Airlines
– RM50 rebate from AirAsia
– RM50 rebate from Malindo Air
– RM30 rebate from Firefly
Redemption method: Via each airlines’ website
Hotels
– RM100 voucher for four to five star hotels
– RM50 voucher for one to three star hotels
Redemption method: Through Shopee’s Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia – Experience Malaysia Like Never Before
Arts and crafts
– RM30 voucher for handicrafts worth RM100
– RM500 voucher for visual arts worth RM1,000 to RM5,000
– RM1,000 voucher for visual arts worth RM 5,000 and above
Redemption method: Through the National Art Gallery’s website
Books
– RM10 vouchers for local books and publications worth at least RM20
Redemption method: Through the National Library’s website or e-book store, e-sentral
3. Increase registrations for Digital MYCRAFSHOPPE, a platform for local artists to grow as entrepreneurs
Status achieved as of 8 November: 100%
The Digital MYCRAFSHOPPE programme aims to expand the marketing reach of hand crafted products, which then contributes to the income growth of local artists who sign up.
MOTAC managed to attract 59 more participants than its target of 100 registrations. This achievement is thanks to online and media promotion, as well as in-person and virtual meets with local artists.
To further improve the tourism industry and those involved, MOTAC has also created a platform for Malaysians to leave feedback. If you have ideas, you can email them to [email protected]
Take a look at all our Spotlight stories to date here.