SIBU, Dec. 27 -- Malaysia will introduce 21 new international flight routes from this month until mid-January next year as part of preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

In a Facebook post, Tiong said the new services comprise 16 scheduled flights and five charter flights to be operated by 10 airlines, linking Malaysia with destinations across Asean, East Asia, Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka.

"Of the 16 scheduled routes, 13 will commence this month, while the remaining routes will begin in January (2026). These routes will add 81 direct flights to Malaysia, with a maximum capacity of 13,936 passengers per week.

"For the five charter flights, four will start in Decembe...