Manoharan appointed as Tourism Malaysia DG

Tourism Malaysia, the national tourism agency, has announced the appointment of Manoharan Periasamy as its new Director-General, effective February 26, 2024.

The appointment, made by Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, comes as the country prepares for the 2026 Visit Malaysia Year, an initiative focused on promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Manoharan: Experienced leader takes the helm

Manoharan brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served 33 years in various tourism marketing and promotional roles at Tourism Malaysia.

He previously held positions such as Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa) and Senior Director of the Advertising & Digital Division, showcasing his expertise in both international and domestic tourism marketing.

Manoharan’s leadership in promoting Malaysia internationally is highlighted by his tenure as Director of Tourism Malaysia Mumbai and New Delhi from 2000 to 2016.

During this period, Malaysia garnered multiple international recognitions, solidifying its position as a preferred tourist destination.

Previous Tourism Malaysia DG demoted

The previous Director General of Tourism Malaysia Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar was demoted last week after receiving the letter from Tiong.

The letter, dated February 22 and signed by Tiong, indicated that the termination would be effective as of the following day.

Expressing dissatisfaction, Ammar lamented his removal from the position after dedicating 36 years of service to the ministry.

Tiong, confirming the demotion on Saturday, stated that Ammar would be demoted to deputy director-general due to his failure to improve performance.

The minister cited complaints from various state governments regarding Ammar’s lack of engagement. Tiong emphasised that Ammar’s demotion was unrelated to race.

Appointed as Tourism Malaysia director-general on April 12 last year, Ammar is slated for retirement in February next year.

The appointment of Manoharan aligns with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which prioritises sustainable tourism practices, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).