Penang has outlined 30 initiatives and 10 new tourism product development projects to strengthen Bumiputera participation in the state’s tourism sector.
The plans fall under the Penang Bumiputera Development Master Plan (PIPBPP) 2026-2035, Bernama reported, targeting the capacity of industry players, strengthening tourism products, and enhancing the competitiveness of Bumiputera entrepreneurs. The master plan was originally launched by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 19 July 2025 at UiTM Penang Branch, Life News Agency reported.
MPBPP chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli announced the latest initiatives at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch on 31 July. The event also saw the launch of the Homestaypreneur Module and the Penang Muslim-Friendly Tourism Promotional Video.
“The overall plan comprises 40 components, covering development programmes, training, and new physical projects,” Khalid told reporters. He said the master plan includes a RM200,000 allocation for the Bumiputera Tour Guide Initiative to help participants obtain training and tour guide licences.
MPBPP allocates about RM8,000 per participant for the training, with plans to train 20 more participants next year. Twenty-one participants received their City Tourist Guide Licences (Blue Badge) at the event after completing a six-month course at Sentral College Penang.
Developed by a research team from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and UiTM Penang, the master plan is built around three pillars: individuals and society, economy, and governance and policy.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) Penang Office director Dr Annuar Mohamed said the programme is a strategic effort to increase Bumiputera participation in tour guiding. He noted that 1,008 tour guides are registered with MOTAC in Penang, with more than 900 serving as city tour guides and the remainder specialising in nature guiding.
“MOTAC continuously encourages more individuals to enter the profession. However, the cost of training and obtaining a licence remains one of the challenges that needs to be addressed,” Dr Annuar said.
Participant Mohd Faiz Mohd Rafeek, 39, said the programme opened new career opportunities and inspired participants to strengthen their knowledge of local heritage, culture, and history. Fellow participant Muhamad Azlan Abdul Aziz, 37, said the Blue Badge licence complements his existing expertise as a nature guide and tourist boat captain.
Also present at the launch were UiTM Rector Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Rashidy Razali and Prime Minister’s Department Penang Bumiputera Participation Coordination Division director Dr Syaharudin Shah Mohd Noor.
