Indonesian forest fire haze hits Malaysia's tourism industry

On October 23, 2026, Pinchain Tourism reported that haze caused by Indonesian forest fires continues to shroud Malaysia, with local tourism operators saying recent travel bookings have declined and some tourists have cancelled their trips. Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association acting president Liang Weihong estimated that tourism revenue losses could reach millions of ringgit. The report said Malaysia's target this year is to attract 47 million visitor arrivals, and tourism bureau data show inbound arrivals of 28.8 million in the first eight months. Later the same day, Skift Feed reported that haze from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia has shrouded Malaysia and Singapore, that Malaysian inbound travel agencies reported reduced bookings and cancellations in November, and that some sightseeing itineraries in Singapore were forced to be shortened. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Mohd Khalid Harun said cancellations are mainly concentrated on November travel; more than 2,600 domestic flights in Indonesia have been disrupted. The report also said that Malaysia's original target of 47 million international tourists this year was already difficult to achieve before the haze arrived.