Haryanty Abu Bakar Appointed Director of Tourism Malaysia’s Mumbai Office.
In her new position, she will oversee Malaysia’s market development and tourism promotion initiatives in the Maldives and Western and Central India.
Haryanty has a wealth of experience in both domestic and international travel industries. In her former role as Sabah’s Director of Tourism Malaysia, she helped establish the area as a premier destination for adventure and environment. Before that, she was the Deputy Director in Jakarta, where she promoted Indonesian tourism and strengthened trade ties.
In her current role, Haryanty will spearhead strategic initiatives to establish Malaysia as a top travel destination for Indians, showcasing the nation’s varied offerings, which range from luxurious shopping and vibrant cityscapes to serene beaches, family-friendly attractions, and a rich cultural legacy. Malaysia continues to provide travellers from India with outstanding value and unforgettable travel experiences thanks to enhanced connections and customised travel experiences.
42.2 million foreign visitors arrived in Malaysia in 2025, an increase of 11.2% from 2024. As the destination prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, India continues to be a crucial source market, making a substantial contribution to this expansion. Accessibility and travel confidence have been further enhanced by the continuation of visa-free entrance for Indian people.
With 237 weekly direct flights from 14 Indian cities, providing over 43,000 seats to gateways like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi, connectivity between Malaysia and India is still improving. Indian arrivals have increased by 15.8% after visa-free entry was implemented in December 2023, reaching 1.5 million in 2025.
