Malaysians Are Defending The New 'Visit Malaysia 2020' Logo Against Claims Of Plagiarism

The new logo was designed by 23-year-old Alfred Phua Hong Fook from Melaka.

"The campaign logo, part of the campaign's marketing and promotional efforts, features various recognisable icons of Malaysia such as the hornbill, the bunga raya (hibiscus), the wild fern, and colours of the Malaysian flag," Tourism Malaysia's press release stated.

In a tweet explaining the rationale of the logo, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture said Phua was "inspired by Malaysian Batik" in deciding its style.

"I take back what I said about the new logo being beautiful. The designer copied the design from Shutterstock. Maybe they changed the design of the hornbill a little. Someone probably helped him redesign this logo," one netizen claimed.

One netizen even claimed it bore similarities to the 'Visit Kaltim 2009' logo.

"Why so bitter? The creative process is exactly like that. If he bought the vector, then it's legal. That floral element is not the same style at all with the reference. Netizens really know everything, huh? Disgusting," wrote one netizen.

Another netizen shared the sentiment, saying, "Design process [is] supposed to work this way. You find a reference for your work and create your own design. What is the problem with netizens. If it's ugly you make noise, if it's beautiful also complain. Absolutely ungrateful."

This netizen sought to dispel the misinformation being spread about the logo: