The Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) is located within a building in Kuala Lumpur, which is both an architectural and historical landmark. Built in 1935, the main building served as the residence of a wealthy mining and rubber estate tycoon, Eu Tong Seng. Its architecture is typically colonial reflecting the era during which it was built. In 1941, it briefly housed the war office of the British Army. However, when the Japanese invaded Malaya during the Second World War, it became the headquarters for the Japanese Imperial Army until the end of the war in 1945. Soon after, the new government of the Federation of Malaya (as Malaysia was then termed) claimed ownership of the building. A conference hall was added and named the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall, in honour of YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj, the country's first Prime Minister. Since then, the Hall has become the venue for numerous historical events including the Malayan Parliament in 1959 and the Installation Ceremonies for several of Yang DiPertuan Agong (Malaysian Kings). In 1988, the then Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism refurbished the main building, added two wings to the existing building and renamed it the Malaysia Tourist Information Complex (MATIC). Opened to the public since mid-August 1989, MaTiC offered a wide range of facilities and services to assist tourists in planning unforgettable holidays in Malaysia. It also enabled them to experience the essence of Malaysia within the Complex through the various cultural shows and demonstrations. On February 16, 2001, the name was changed and the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) or also known as Pusat Pelancongan Malaysia, was born. A division within the Ministry of Tourism, which is currently headed by YB Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, MaTiC was formerly known as the Malaysia Tourist Information Complex (MATIC). However, February 16, 2001 witnessed the birth of a new identity while the new logo was officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister on October 26, 2001. A one-stop tourist centre, MaTiC is driven by the vision to place Malaysia on the global map as one of the finest tourist destinations in the world. The various services and facilities offered by MaTiC include the Tourist Information Counter, Tourist Police Counter, Internet access to its tourism e-portal, Saloma Bistro & Theatre Restaurant, Saloma Retail Centre, ATM Machine, Money Changer, Karyaneka and Hop On and Hop Off Ticket Counter and etc. MaTiC is dedicated and committed towards providing a quality, professional and friendly service to local and foreign tourists in its endeavour to become a leading one-stop tourist centre. Since the opening of the tourist information centre after its official launch as well as its establishment as one of the pick up points for KL city tours in January 2002, MaTiC has witnessed a tremendous increase in the number of visitors. DISCLAIMER: The Government of Malaysia shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information in this page.
