KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The country can expect an increase of 10 million tourist arrivals next year, after Tourism Malaysia's Web TV is switched on soon.

Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Internet TV had a wider global audience and was less costly, compared to conventional advertising means.

"In times of cyber communication, it is the media preferred by consumers," she said, adding that some 40 million viewers were expected to visit the site initially.

"We expect 10 million more visitors next year, over last year's 29 million arrivals," she told reporters on Monday night after launching the state-level Zoom Ramadan breaking of fast event organised by the ministry.

On claims that the RM36 million (S$14.9m) to be spent on this exercise was excessive, Azalina said only RM6mil (S$2.5m) would initially be spent, primarily to buy content.

She said her ministry had requested RM36mil (S$14.9m) but only RM18mil (S$7.4m) had been approved by the Cabinet.