KUALA LUMPUR, 9 October 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia’s Homestay Experience Programme (PPHM) recorded more than RM62.4 million in revenue and attracted 977,666 tourists in 2025, highlighting its growing contribution to community-based tourism.
The figures were shared in conjunction with the PPHM 2026 Symposium, officiated by Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Secretary-General Dato’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot at Dewan Sanggar Pujangga on Thursday (8 October).
According to the ministry, the programme involved 3,600 operators across 252 homestay clusters nationwide in 2025.
Introduced in 1995, PPHM has developed into one of Malaysia’s key community-based tourism products, offering visitors opportunities to experience local lifestyles, cultural traditions and heritage.
The symposium provided a platform for industry participants and homestay operators to exchange best practices, expand professional networks and strengthen collaboration within the community-based tourism sector.
Key areas of discussion included the adoption of technology and digital platforms, preservation of cultural authenticity and heritage, and greater participation among younger generations.
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The programme also emphasised a mentor-mentee approach to encourage knowledge sharing and collective development among homestay operators.
Shaharuddin also visited an exhibition held alongside the symposium, which showcased products and initiatives developed by local homestay communities.
MOTAC Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism) Chua Choon Hwa was also present at the event.
In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign, efforts are being strengthened to expand PPHM’s reach, attract more visitors seeking authentic community experiences and ensure tourism-related economic benefits reach local communities.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia, the programme continues to support community empowerment while promoting sustainable tourism development across the country – The Capital Post
