The Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac), aims to enhance the standards and quality of tourism products across Malaysia.
Since its inception in 2014, Penang has proudly seen 12 of its iconic tourism destinations recognised under this programme, further solidifying its reputation as a vibrant and diverse travel destination.
This initiative not only highlights the uniqueness of Penang’s attractions but also serves as a trusted guide for tourists in selecting high-quality experiences.
The 12 recognised hotspots include Penang Hill, Queensbay Mall, Kampung Agong, Entopia, Sunway Carnival Mall, Ghost Museum, Magic World Museum, Straits & Oriental Museum, Taman Herbal Bertam, The Gold Souq, The TOP Komtar, and The Habitat Penang Hill.
The MyTQA programme is divided into seven categories, namely Culture & Heritage Tourism, Nature, Adventure, and Eco-Tourism, Man-Made Tourism, Sports and Recreation Tourism, Shopping and Lifestyle Tourism, Aqua and Marine Tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism.
Since 2023, the programme has introduced a classification system with platinum, gold, and silver tiers, further emphasising quality differentiation.
During the MyTQA certificate handover ceremony held at The TOP Ballroom in Komtar on Nov 29, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai encouraged more tourism players in Penang to participate.
“Through this programme, we can elevate our tourism industry, instil confidence among stakeholders, and attract more tourists to explore the diverse offerings of Penang,” Wong said.
Penang Motac director Annuar Mohamed emphasised that MyTQA is a voluntary programme, allowing participants to renew their status every three years.
This year, three existing attractions – Kampung Agong, Queensbay Mall, and The Habitat Penang Hill – renewed their participation, while four new players joined the programme.
They are Gold Souq, St Giles Wembley Hotel Ballroom, Bertam Resort, and De’8000 Mini Golf Café.
With its continued focus on quality assurance and recognition, the MyTQA programme continues to enhance Penang’s tourism appeal, ensuring visitors enjoy unforgettable experiences.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Photos by Siew Chia En