Meanwhile, domestic tourism expenditure reached RM64.1 billion, a remarkable 248.1% surge from the previous year’s figure of RM18.4 billion.

As for the first quarter of this year (Q1 2023), domestic tourism recorded 48.6 million visitors, rising 33.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) from the same quarter last year.

Its expenditure jumped 47% y-o-y to RM19.2 billion, according to a report released by the statistics department today.

On a quarterly basis, the number of domestic visitors rose 3.9% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) while domestic tourism expenditure climbed 4.6% q-o-q.

“After enduring nearly two years of the devastating Covid-19 (pandemic), the resumption of domestic tourism brings a sense of relief to the people of Malaysia and its economy,” said the department.

Shopping maintained its position as the largest expenditure category at 38.9% followed by food and beverages at 15.2% and vehicle fuel purchases at 13.8%.

Selangor emerged as the most visited state in 2022 with over 22 million domestic visitors, followed by Kuala Lumpur (16.9 million) and Sarawak (15.5 million).

Pahang witnessed a drastic increase in its domestic tourists, rising 511.8% to 7.8 million visitors compared to 1.3 million in 2021.