INTRODUCTION
A few weeks ago, we were assigned to do a mini research about MSULC Terengganu
students. We have conducted a questionnaire survey about Malaysian Tourism. The survey
is done to collect information regarding MSULC Terengganu students’ preferences and
opinions on this sector. It took us about 3 weeks to complete the questionnaire, including a
preparation for the presentation and report involved in this project. 30 students participated
in this survey, the respondents were 37% (11) male and 63% (19) female. The list of
questions we prepared consisted of multiple choice questions that required the students to
circle the answers that reflect their choices regarding the issue.
Data that we have received indicates that about 63% of respondents are under 21 years of
age and 37% are about 22-25 years old. None of them are over 25 years old. Based on the
questionnaire survey, a majority of the students that answer the questions are diploma
students which accounts for 77% of the result, this is followed by degree students with 17%,
meanwhile certificate and others are both at 3%. It stated that 53% of participants are from
DSKU program and 20% from DPG program, all are diploma students. Additionally, 17%
participants are from BFST program and 7% from BIB program which are all degree
students as well as 3% from SPL program of certificate students. Student incomes have
quite a significance in this survey as travel expenses are closely linked to their financial
situation. Most of the students' incomes come from their family with about 50% of
respondents receiving allowances, incomes from student’s loan 37%, others 7%, scholarship
and part/full-time job are both 3%. The demographic section of this survey somehow gives
us the fundamental background of all the participants involved in this survey. The data
received has proven to be helpful in the final evaluation of the survey results. As samples,
we provide 5 sets of filled questionnaire surveys with the students’ signatures as evidence of
our mini research.
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QUESTIONS
1. How many states have you visited in Malaysia?
Answers
10-14
1-3
4-6
7-9
I have visited all states
Grand Total
Count
9
5
7
8
1
30
How many states have you visited in Malaysia?
3%
30%
27%
10-14
1-3
4-6
7-9
I have visited all states
23%
17%
Malaysia has a total 13 states and 3 federal territories making up to 16 areas, each with its
own uniqueness. Based on the observation, 30% from a total of 30 students have visited
around 10-14 states or federal territories in Malaysia. It shows that, students love to travel in
Malaysia and some of them agreed that it takes less time and money to explore this country
compared to overseas. With only 3% difference, 27% students have visited 7-9 states in
Malaysia. This is followed by 4-6 states with 23% answers, 17% for 1-3 states and lastly, 3%
of respondents have visited all states and federal territories in Malaysia.
From the pie chart, there were frequency from 30 students had split to each percentage.
There were 9 students for 30% that represent 10-14 states, 8 students for 27% at 7-9 states
and 7 students for 23% at 4-6 states. Last but not least, at 1-3 states there were 5 students
for 17% and only 1 student at 3% for visited all states in Malaysia. These respondents all felt
that states in Peninsular Malaysia are more accessible as it does not require air travel.
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2. Which state have you visited in Malaysia?
Values
Count of Johor
Count of Kedah
Count of Kelantan
Count of Melaka
Count of N. Sembilan
Count of Pahang
Count of Penang
Count of Perak
11
15
25
21
10
28
19
17
Count of Perlis
Count of Sabah
Count of Sarawak
Count of Selangor
Count of Terengganu
Count of K. Lumpur
Count of Labuan
Count of Putrajaya
8
1
20
27
27
2
21
Which state have you visited in Malaysia?
8%
4%
Count of Johor
6%
1%
Count of Kedah
Count of Kelantan
11%
10%
Count of Melaka
Count of N. Sembilan
Count of Pahang
Count of Penang
8%
11%
Count of Perak
Count of Perlis
Count of Sabah
4%
Count of Sarawak
Count of Selangor
Count of Terengganu
8%
11%
0%
3%
7%
8%
Count of K. Lumpur
Count of Labuan
Count of Putrajaya
In this question, students need to tick all necessary answers that might influence the
percentages on the pie chart. The huge percentages on this observation were represented
by 3 states at 11% as Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu and Pahang. In addition, 10% for
Kelantan, Putrajaya, Selangor, Penang and Melaka are with 8% at each states. Perak with
7%, Kedah 6%, Negeri Sembilan and Johor 4% each. 3% for Perlis and 1% for
Labuan.Lastly, Sarawak less than 1% and Sabah being the only Malaysian state that have
never been visited by any of the students.
This observation shows that students might be not visited Sabah and Sarawak because the
high cost to student.
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3. Which state do you plan to visit next in 2018?
Values
Count of Johor
Count of Kedah
Count of Kelantan
Count of Melaka
Count of N. Sembilan
Count of Pahang
Count of Penang
Count of Perak
12
8
2
9
9
6
6
4
Count of Perlis
Count of Sabah
Count of Sarawak
Count of Selangor
Count of Terengganu
Count of K. Lumpur
Count of Labuan
Count of Putrajaya
9
22
21
4
4
8
8
4
Which state do you plan to visit next in 2018?
6%
3%
9%
Count of Johor
Count of Kedah
6%
6%
Count of Kelantan
1%
3%
Count of Melaka
Count of N. Sembilan
3%
7%
Count of Pahang
Count of Penang
Count of Perak
7%
Count of Perlis
Count of Sabah
15%
Count of Sarawak
4%
Count of Selangor
Count of Terengganu
4%
3%
16%
7%
Count of K. Lumpur
Count of Labuan
Count of Putrajaya
Malaysia have many beautiful and unique states with peaceful islands and other natural
caves and mountains that attract students to explore the nature. Base on the observation,
many students choose to visit Sabah state at 16%. On second states was Sarawak at 15%.
We can see that those students interested to visit Sabah and Sarawak because of their
culture and beautiful nature on both states, and referring to question 2, most of the students
have not visited these two states before.
Furthermore, Johor state 9% at the third place where students wish to visit next in 2018.
Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Perlis all accounted at 7% each. The states that represent 6%
were Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Kedah while Pahang and Penang respectively receive 4%
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of votes. In addition, 4 states that represent 3% were Selangor, Terengganu, Putrajaya and
Perak, not to forget Kelantan was the last voted for the next state in 2018 at only 1%.
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4. What is your main reason for travelling in Malaysia?
Answer
Count
Business
1
Shopping
7
Sports & adventure
4
To eat and try new food
5
To learn about culture and history
5
To visit friends/relatives
8
Grand Total
30
What is your main reason for travelling in Malaysia?
3%
Business
27%
23%
Shopping
Sports & adventure
To eat and try new food
13%
17%
To learn about culture and
history
To visit friends/relatives
17%
Malaysia is known as one of the most popular tourism spots in Asia. Based on the results
received from the respondents, the highest recorded percentage of answer is 27% which is
to visit friends and relatives. Most respondents are known to have friends and relatives
scattered across the country hence visiting them becomes a reason for them to travel and
explore places in the country during those visits. This is closely followed by shopping, with
23% of answers. Shopping, in a way, has become a culture in Malaysian society. Malaysians
are known to enjoy spending their money on shopping and there is an ample choice for
everyone, from luxury designer stores to street-side stalls, the choices are almost endless.
The frequency of promotions and sales also contributes to this answer chosen by the
respondents. Next comes food and learning about culture and history, both with 17%
readings. When it comes to eating and trying new foods, respondents who chose this
answer are all from DSKU program, this might be closely related to their love and curiosity
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for all the different delicacies our country has to offer. The respondents felt that they get a
satisfaction from trying local foods during their travel. As for culture and history, respondents
who answered this feel that the different cultures and historical places like museums are
interesting and that they can learn a lot from them. Seeing and learning about it creates a
sense of patriotism and fulfillment. Then comes sports and adventure with 13% reading,
respondents who chose this answer are young and fit, nature lovers, seeking adventure in
every destination they go to. Activities like island hopping and hiking becomes the reason for
them to travel around the country. Finally, with the lowest percentage and only one
respondent is business. Only one student chose business as his/her main reason for travel,
this is due to the respondent's status as a business partner.
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5. What do you think is the best thing Malaysian tourism has to offer?
Answer
Count
Culture history & religion
12
Local cuisines
1
Nature
6
Shopping & sales
11
Grand Total
30
What do you think is the best thing Malaysian
tourism has to offer?
37%
40%
Culture history & religion
Local cuisines
Nature
Shopping & sales
20%
3%
This question emphasizes on the respondents' opinion on the best thing that they think
Malaysian tourism offers travellers. A large percentage of respondents agree that Malaysia
offers the best experience on culture, history and religion. This is due to the fact that or
country is home to many different races and not to forget numerous historical and religious
locations that make good tourist destinations. Secondly, with 37%, 11 respondents think that
shopping and sales are the greatest thing the tourism industry offers. They all agreed that
Malaysia has a high frequency of sale events that encourage tourists to spend more. Next
comes nature with 20% respondents that agreed that our tropical location offers the best
spots for example waterfalls, beaches and islands. Lastly, only 3% respondent feels that our
myriad of local cuisines is the most attractive thing about the country's tourism.
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6. How much (RM) do you usually spend on your domestic travels?
Answers
Count
1000 or more
10
300-500
5
600-900
7
Not more than 300
8
Grand Total
30
How much (RM) do you usually spend on your domestic
travels?
27%
33%
1000 or more
300-500
600-900
Not more than 300
23%
17%
All respondents are students and mainly rely on student loans and family funding for their
expenses. From this question, despite being unemployed, 33% of respondents spend
RM1000 or more when they travel in Malaysia. This includes transportation, accommodation,
shopping and all other costs involved during their trips within the country. 27% of the
students on the other hand, choose to spend less than RM300 when they travel. These
respondents think that being budget savvy by making the right choices and proper planning
make it possible for them to safe during travelling. One example is by taking the bus to travel
instead of airplane that could cost a lot more money than necessary. 23% of the students
spend RM600 to RM900 while the rest of the total, which include 17% of respondents
usually spend between RM300 to RM500 when travelling in the country. The total travel
expenses of each student mostly goes to shopping and accommodations.
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7. What type of accommodation do you prefer?
Answers
Count
Budget hotel
3
Hotel
18
Local home stay/Airbnb
2
Traditional resorts/chalets
7
Grand Total
30
What type of accommodation do you prefer?
10%
23%
Budget hotel
Hotel
Local home stay/Airbnb
7%
Traditional resorts/chalets
60%
Accommodation is one of the most important elements of travelling and can be a main
priority to some travellers. The tourism industry in Malaysia offers many types of
accommodations for travellers to choose from based on their preferences and budget. From
the data collected, more than half of the respondents agree that hotel, including luxury hotels
are the best place to stay when they travel in Malaysia. The respondents feel that hotels are
easily available and provide the best comfort for them when travelling, that 60% of them pick
this as their preference. Comparatively, 23% of respondents prefer traditional resorts and
chalets, this is because of the ambience and the rustic feel that this type of accommodations
give them during their stay. 10% prefers to stay in budget hotels as they feel that budget
hotels are more wallet-friendly and they provide almost the same comfort as other choices of
accommodations. In addition, these respondents feel that their priority weighs more on
transportation, food and attraction expenses compared to accommodations. Lastly, 2%
respondents chose local home stays or Airbnb as their choice of accommodation. According
to these respondents, they usually travel in a group whether with family or friends, and they
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prefer a bigger space that can accommodate groups of people, with extra amenities like
kitchens and other facilities. This type of housing can budget saving too.
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8. Which mode of travel do you prefer using when travelling?
Row Labels
Count
Airplane
4
Bus
2
Car
24
Grand Total
30
Which mode of travel do you prefer using when
travelling?
13%
7%
Airplane
Bus
Car
80%
When it comes to traveling, most of us want to get to our destination as hassle-free and
quickly as possible. Often times our destination dictates what mode of transportation we use.
Based on the results received from the respondents, the highest recorded percentage is
80% which is travelling by car. because it doesn’t cost much money. Typically speaking
traveling by car is the cheapest way to travel, especially for a vehicle that is relatively decent
on gas. Trips that are within the 5-6 hour range are usually much less expensive when taken
by car. Other than that which is space, travel using car, it easier for them to bring many
things that might not be able to if traveling by air or bus. Space is still limited, but nearly as
much. Moreover is flexibility, when traveling by car, they can change the plans as they go.
For example, if you are taking a road trip, you can pull off the road at any time and sight-see.
Also, they can reach the destination quickly if they need. Generally speaking, people who
travel by their own car reach their target on time and therefore they are more punctual. Thus,
people find private transportation is more reliable and faster way to travel from source place
to destination place. Secondly, is 13%, these 4 respondents usually travel by airplane. The
reasons why the respondents travel by airplane because the time is efficient, flying is
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typically the fastest way to get many places, even short distances. Furthermore, it is
productive because while flying, they can do work, read, relax or sleep and do a number of
other things that you would not be able to do while driving. Even in airports you can be
productive while waiting for your next connection. Lastly, the lowest percentage is 7% which
is only 2 respondents traveling by bus because it is cheapest fare among the others. Also
traveling by bus is that it stops during the journey for a short rest, allowing the passengers to
stretch, get some fresh air, use an actual bathroom and recharge energy by getting some
food and hot coffee.
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9. Do you usually buy locally made souvenirs on your travels?
Row Labels
Count
No
2
Yes
28
Grand Total
30
Do you usually buy locally made souvenirs on your
travels?
7%
No
Yes
93%
The souvenir is an important component of the tourist experience with most tourists bringing
back mementos and souvenirs as evidence. People like to be reminded of special moments
in their lives and to hold evidence of those special moments. Based on the survey, 93%
majority of the respondents usually buy locally made souvenirs as a gift for their family or
their friends. Other respondents identified gift giving as part of their vacation ritual through
statements such as “I generally buy gifts for my family and friends”. Other than that, many
respondents commenting on the need for souvenirs to remind them of special occasions.
The role of the souvenir as a facilitator of memory is captured in comments such as “I really
treasure the things which I can look at and remember where I’ve been and what I’ve done”.
Most of the female respondents more likely to buy souvenirs rather than male respondents.
Secondly, only 7% of the respondents don’t buy locally made souvenirs. These 2
respondents prefer more sight-seeing than buying the souvenirs. Also, they don’t like to
collect the souvenirs because they prefer spend their money buying other things such as
shoes, cloths and etc rather than buying the locally souvenirs.
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10. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge when travelling in Malaysia?
Row Labels
High travel expenses
Limited location and choice of
activities
Count
11
4
Poor tourism facilities
2
The hot and humid weather
Grand Total
13
30
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge when
travelling in Malaysia?
High travel expenses
37%
Limited location and choice
of activities
43%
Poor tourism facilities
The hot and humid weather
7%
13%
Based on the survey, the highest percentage is 43% which is the hot and humid weather.
According to the respondents says that the hot and humid weather affect their activities
during traveling because the weather making them sweating a lot and cause them doesn’t
feel fresh at all such as excessive thirst, headache, dizziness and so on. Next is 37%
percentage which is high travel expenses such as high public transport fare, expensive
travel package etc. Thirdly, is limited location and choice of activities which is 13% of the
respondents. No for limited location because nowadays in Malaysia there are so many
location or places that local tourism can travel such as museum, island and on. In addition,
yes for limited choice of activities because there a few activities that are not available in
Malaysia for example skiing. Most of the respondents says they want to try something new
that is not available in Malaysia. Lastly the lowest percentage is 7% which is only 2
respondents say their biggest challenged when traveling in Malaysia is poor tourism facilities
such as there are certain island in Malaysia that are not maintaining cleanliness, also there
are many uncleanliness public toilet even in shopping mall.
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Conclusions
Based on the overall survey, most of the female like to travel rather than male because
majority of the female like to shopping, to visit friend or relatives. According question number
3, most of the respondents wish to visit Sabah and Sarawak. It shows that most of the
respondents does not go farer city because of lack of time or holidays. Malaysians or other
tourism from different country choose to travel in Malaysia because there are different
cultures, history and religion that make the travel more attractive. Other than that, different
kind food from different cultures such as Chinese, Indians, Malay does also attract the locals
to travel in Malaysia.
Tourism Malaysia has launched a new domestic travel campaign called ‘Cuti-Cuti
1Malaysia Dekat Je’ on 17 June 2015 to encourage more Malaysians to travel to nearby
places in the country for their next weekend getaway. The unmistakably Malaysian use of
colloquial phrase ‘dekat je’, which loosely translates as ‘nearby only’/ ‘so close’/ ‘so near’
aims to remind Malaysians that the next exciting holiday destination is actually just right on
their doorstep, and that travelling helps to foster closer relationships with families and
friends. Choices for the next local holiday are endless and meet all types of budgets. It can
be a simple staycation in the city, a quick getaway at the next town, a gastronomic journey
across several states, or living it up in lush rainforest resorts.
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