Speaking to reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Nancy said she was “quite optimistic” that the figure can be achieved.

“With the borders with Singapore open, we could easily reach a million arrivals in two weeks,” she said.

“We might be able to provide an update (on the statistics) in the next three months or so.”

Nancy had previously forecast that foreign tourists could contribute up to RM8.6 billion in revenue up to the end of this year.

Malaysia attracted 4.3 million tourists in 2020 because of lockdowns following the Covid-19 pandemic, a sharp decline from the 26.1 million in 2019. Statistics for last year are being compiled.

Nancy also said that more than 110 international flights will arrive in Malaysia today with the reopening of the borders, mostly at KLIA and klia2.

Earlier, she was among those who welcomed passengers on the first Etihad Airways flight, which arrived from Abu Dhabi at 10.30am.