Malaysia Bolsters Ties with India to Attract Film Production and Boost Tourism

Kuala Lumpur is actively strengthening its relationship with India to attract more film productions and increase tourism, offering incentives and streamlined approval processes for Indian filmmakers. This initiative is part of the broader Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

Growing Indian Film Presence in Malaysia

Malaysia has already become a popular filming location for Indian cinema, with over 100 films from Bollywood, Tollywood, and Kollywood having shot segments within the country . The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) is committed to further enhancing this appeal.

Financial Incentives for Filmmakers

Filmmakers who incorporate Malaysian cultural or local elements into their projects are now eligible for an additional five percent rebate on top of existing incentives . This builds upon existing tax rebates designed to encourage filming in Malaysia.

Streamlined Approval Process

To simplify the filming process, Malaysia has established a one-stop center. Applications are routed through a local production house, allowing various agencies to review and evaluate proposals efficiently . This eliminates the demand for filmmakers to navigate multiple ministries individually.

Bilateral Cooperation and Exchange

A recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia aims to boost exchange between the two countries’ film sectors , . This includes allowing both Malaysian and Indian films to be aired in each other’s countries and encouraging co-productions.

Tourism Growth and Connectivity

India is a key market for Malaysian tourism. In 2025, Malaysia recorded 42.2 million international visitor arrivals, with over 1.6 million coming from India . Strong connectivity, with over 240 weekly flights between the two nations, and visa-free entry for Indian nationals are contributing to this growth.

Upcoming Engagement Events

Tourism Malaysia is hosting a series of engagement events in New Delhi, including a wedding seminar, a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) B2B session, and the Malaysia Networking Dinner 2026, to further strengthen bilateral cooperation ahead of SATTE 2026, India and Asia’s largest travel expo .

Commitment to the Indian Market

Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, emphasized that India remains “one of the most priority markets” for Malaysia . The recent visit by Prime Minister Modi to Malaysia has further solidified this relationship.