Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim is the new director-general of Tourism Malaysia, bringing over 23 years of experience to lead the agency ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
PUTRAJAYA: Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim has been appointed as the new director-general of Tourism Malaysia.
His appointment, effective December 8, was announced by the agency in a statement today.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing made the appointment under Section 10(1) of the Tourism Malaysia Act 1992.
He replaces Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, who retired on December 6.
Mohd Amirul Rizal holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management from Universiti Teknologi MARA.
He began his career with Tourism Malaysia on September 2, 2002.
Over more than two decades, he has held various marketing and promotion portfolios.
His roles have included serving as Terengganu Tourism Malaysia director and director of the agency’s overseas office in Seoul, South Korea in 2008.
He has also served in the Domestic Promotion and Events Division and the International Promotion Division (Asia and Africa).
His most recent position was senior director of the Advertising and Digital Division.
The statement noted he also plays a key role as head of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) secretariat.
This position involves strengthening the country’s international promotion efforts.
Mohd Amirul Rizal is also active in associations, having been appointed president of the Tourism Malaysia Recreation Club.
With 23 years of experience, Tourism Malaysia expressed confidence his appointment will strengthen the development of the country’s tourism industry.
This is especially crucial ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
