Tourism planning became important in Malaysia due to the negative impacts of traditional tourism development, which focused on economic contributions without consideration for socio-cultural and environmental consequences. The rapid growth of tourism and lack of a single responsible agency led to unplanned, ad hoc responses to tourism's impacts. While planning cannot solve all problems, it can minimize negative effects, maximize economic returns, and encourage positive community support. Tourism planning in Malaysia follows a complex, three-tier system at the federal, state, and local levels, with the federal government having the highest authority. The planning process generally uses both top-down and bottom-up approaches but is predominantly top-down, with local communities consulted but not directly involved in decision making.