By Krishnan Ramaswami, Chief Business Officer (CBO) for International Business at redBus
Malaysia’s Budget 2027 presents an opportunity to strengthen tourism corridors and extend economic benefits to local communities, according to redBus Chief Business Officer for International Business Krishnan Ramaswami.
The extension of Visit Malaysia Year into 2027, supported by RM935 million in funding for tourism and culture, could encourage more visitors to explore destinations beyond major tourist centres. However, sustaining these benefits will require dependable transport connections that serve both tourists and residents.
For smaller destinations, Ramaswami said the viability of transport services was just as important as their availability. Visitor numbers often fluctuate with holidays and events, while residents rely on transport for work, education and family visits.
Planning services around both groups would help maintain transport links and support local businesses beyond peak tourism periods.
Sabah and Sarawak Stand to Benefit from Better Bus Connectivity
The RM3.3 billion allocation for road projects in Sabah and Sarawak is particularly relevant to improving intercity connectivity.
Ramaswami noted that redBus works with 18 bus operators across more than 680 routes in the two states, highlighting the importance of reliable connections between towns and communities.
As road infrastructure improves, the next priority will be to determine how bus services can connect more effectively and where passenger demand can support additional departures.
Better transport links can help make more destinations accessible to visitors while ensuring residents retain practical travel options.
ECRL and RTS Link Could Create New Travel Opportunities
Improved bus connections along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) corridor and increased services in Johor Bahru ahead of the opening of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link could similarly expand travel opportunities.
Since redBus launched its Malaysia–Singapore connecting routes in April 2026, approximately 5,000 connecting journeys have been booked through its platform, illustrating demand for onward travel options.
Integrating bus services with major transport links could make it easier for travellers to continue their journeys and explore destinations beyond their initial arrival points.
Tourism Grants Could Support More Transport Operators
The expansion of tourism matching grants to ferries and tour buses carrying international visitors to Malaysia also recognises the role of different transport modes in supporting the tourism sector.
These services can improve access to a wider range of destinations and create opportunities for tourism spending beyond major arrival hubs.
However, Ramaswami stressed that infrastructure and transport services must be supported by clear, practical travel information. Reliable departure times, clearly identified boarding points and realistic transfer windows are essential to helping travellers navigate their journeys.
When connections are easy to understand and use, more towns become viable additions to an itinerary, benefiting accommodation providers, eateries and local attractions.
Digitalisation and Passenger Safety Remain Priorities
Destination promotion should include practical information on how to reach each location, a focus reflected in redBus’ partnership with Tourism Terengganu under its Tourism Digitalisation Initiative.
Planned telematics requirements and driver health screening measures could further strengthen passenger confidence in road transport services.
Together, better travel information, improved infrastructure and safety measures can help make intercity journeys more accessible and dependable for both domestic and international travellers.
Coordinating Tourism Promotion with Transport Planning
For redBus, the priority is to work with bus and ferry partners to make journeys easier for travellers to discover and book.
Ramaswami said aligning tourism promotion with infrastructure investment and transport service planning would help Malaysia connect emerging destinations while maintaining useful links for residents throughout the year.
As the country prepares to extend Visit Malaysia Year into 2027, reliable transport connections could play an important role in spreading tourism activity beyond established hotspots and supporting local economies across Malaysia.
