Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the annual revenue from tourism tax may be found in fiscal outlook and revenue estimates documents published by the ministry.

Under a policy introduced in 2019, half of the tourism tax collected in each state is distributed back to that state to help drive local tourism efforts.

This approach aims at strengthening the role of state governments in promoting tourism through local campaigns, facility upgrades and other tourism-boosting activities.

“This measure is meant to help states boost local tourism, including funding tourism promotions and improving facilities,” Anwar said in a written parliamentary reply.

He was responding to Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Batu Kawan), who asked for a detailed breakdown of taxes collected for 2022 to 2024, including by state. Chow also asked about the formula and criteria used for redistributing these revenues.

Anwar did not provide figures for 2024.

He said the government’s commitment to sharing tourism tax revenue with states not only supports local economic growth but also seeks to improve the experience of both domestic and international tourists.

According to Tourism Malaysia, top sources of tourists come from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, China and Brunei, with many, especially from Singapore, attracted by favourable exchange rates.

Other significant sources include India, South Korea, Vietnam and Australia, all of which contribute a substantial number of tourists each year.