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A stronger ringgit is unleashing Malaysians’ demand for premium travel destinations, experiences

Travel platforms and money changers say the firmer currency is unleashing fresh demand

Summarise

Tan Ai Leng &

Chuah Bee Kim

Published Tue, Nov 25, 2025 · 01:40 PM
    • Long queues formed at forex counters in a Kuala Lumpur shopping mall on November 19, as the strengthening ringgit boosted demand for foreign currency.
    • Long queues formed at forex counters in a Kuala Lumpur shopping mall on November 19, as the strengthening ringgit boosted demand for foreign currency. TANG CHIAN HUEY

    [KUALA LUMPUR/JOHOR BAHRU] As the ringgit climbs, Malaysians are dreaming bigger, widening their travel horizons from Paris and London to Istanbul, even as traditional favourites like Bangkok, Tokyo and Bali remain strong.

    Travel platforms and money changers said the stronger currency is unleashing a surge in overseas plans, with Expedia logging a 50 to 60 per cent jump in searches over the past three months.

    Japan and China are leading the rebound, while Europe is edging back into itineraries.

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    Malaysia tourismRinggitAseanAsia-PacificAsean Business

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