Tourism Minister Disagrees With Enforcement Of Bilingual Signboards
He highlighted its impact on tourism in Malaysia.
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Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing says the enforcement of bilingual signboard regulations by DBKL has triggered excessive backlash, caused dissatisfaction, and created a negative perception among tourists
According to Berita Harian, the minister stated the action has led tourists to question Malaysia's openness and inclusivity as a multiracial country.
"Several international visitors have directly asked me whether Malaysia is a racist or religiously extreme country.
"This doubt directly affects tourists' decisions to visit Malaysia and hampers the country's competitiveness on the global stage.
"In reality, we are a multiracial, cultural, and religious country. We cannot create a false negative image that contradicts this reality," he said in a Facebook statement yesterday.
DBKL launched a large-scale operation targeting signboards that did not display the Malay language in several areas, including Segambut, Pudu, and Jalan Silang in Kuala Lumpur, last Thursday, 21 November
The operation involved enforcement and licensing teams from DBKL, as well as Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the police.
In light of this, Tiong urged DBKL to focus on initiatives that genuinely benefit society rather than inciting controversy through excessive enforcement.
He suggested that DBKL collaborate with the Visit Malaysia Year campaign to improve the city's basic infrastructure and create more attractions for tourists, offering them new and exciting experiences to explore in Kuala Lumpur.
"Instead of projecting an authoritarian and backward image, DBKL should embody the spirit of civilisation and openness of the capital city," Tiong stated.
The minister highlighted that this measure is appropriate as Malaysia is set to chair ASEAN next year, with various events being held in the capital, in addition to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign
"This provides a golden opportunity to showcase Malaysia's diversity and inclusivity on the global stage.
"I warn that ongoing racial or religious controversies will erode international trust and cooperation, potentially having a negative impact on the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign," Tiong said.
Additionally, he stated that the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign serves as a crucial platform to highlight Malaysia's multicultural identity, and initiatives such as multilingual signboards not only reflect a friendly attitude towards international tourists but also form a core element of Malaysia's cultural appeal.
"By embracing and promoting this diversity, Malaysia can transform its multicultural heritage into an economic advantage that contributes to the nation's growth," he remarked.