Cruise sector now eligible for Malaysia tourism grant
The grant has a total allocation of RM50 million for both the aviation and cruise sectors.
This year, Tourism Malaysia is expanding the Charter Flight Matching Grant (CFMG) to include the cruise sector. The name of the grant will remain the same, but its scope will now cover the entry of tourists by sea.
The grant has a total allocation of RM50 million for both the aviation and cruise sectors. However, no specific breakdown has been set yet for the newly added cruise segment.
“Starting in 2026, we will expand the scope of the grant to allow cruise operators, agents, or tour operators bringing cruise ships to Malaysia—particularly to Penang—to apply,” said Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, chairman of Tourism Malaysia. Prior to this expansion, the grant focused exclusively on charter flights.
Penang is one of Malaysia's key cruise destinations, having recorded approximately 1.5 million cruise passengers in 2024. Last year, the state welcomed 700,000 cruise passengers.
Tourism Malaysia will also enhance digital promotions and organize food festivals to showcase Penang. “Penang is famous for its unique cuisine. We want to encourage creativity so that traditional dishes can be presented in a modern way without compromising their original identity,” Yeoh added.
The grant has a total allocation of RM50 million for both the aviation and cruise sectors. However, no specific breakdown has been set yet for the newly added cruise segment.
“Starting in 2026, we will expand the scope of the grant to allow cruise operators, agents, or tour operators bringing cruise ships to Malaysia—particularly to Penang—to apply,” said Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, chairman of Tourism Malaysia. Prior to this expansion, the grant focused exclusively on charter flights.
Penang is one of Malaysia's key cruise destinations, having recorded approximately 1.5 million cruise passengers in 2024. Last year, the state welcomed 700,000 cruise passengers.
Tourism Malaysia will also enhance digital promotions and organize food festivals to showcase Penang. “Penang is famous for its unique cuisine. We want to encourage creativity so that traditional dishes can be presented in a modern way without compromising their original identity,” Yeoh added.
