KOTA KINABALU: In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Tourism Malaysia today welcomed both domestic and international visitors with a vibrant Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
The main celebration was held at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, alongside simultaneous welcoming ceremonies at eight other airports across Selangor, Penang, Johor, Kedah, Perak, and Sarawak.
The welcoming ceremony was officiated by Mr. Chong Wai Kit, Director of MOTAC Sabah. Also present were; Ms. Haryanty Abu Bakar, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah; Ms. Jessica Francis of Sabah Tourism Board; as well as representatives from KKIA, airlines and related agencies.
Following the Chinese New Year celebrations last February, this series of cultural festivities continues to showcase the richness and harmony of Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Visitors were warmly welcomed with festive souvenirs at the Arrival Hall and invited to savour traditional Hari Raya Aidilfitri delicacies, reflecting the nation’s signature hospitality and vibrant cultural heritage that define the Malaysia Truly Asia experience.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by Aidilfitri-themed Malay cultural performances while the VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, made special appearances to delight visitors.
Adding to the festive spirit was the symbolic activity of filling rice and boiling ketupat, a cherished tradition during Hari Raya.
The celebration, held from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., welcomed approximately 1,500 international and domestic passengers arriving from Singapore, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Tawau, and Sandakan.
This programme was successfully delivered through strategic collaboration with various stakeholders including ministries and agencies under MOTAC, airlines, corporate sponsors and tourism industry associations.
Participating partners included Malaysia Airports Sdn. Bhd., Sabah Tourism Board, Batik Air, ADABI, Spritzer, and Photobook.
Their participation reflects strong collective support in promoting Malaysia’s tourism industry and enhancing the overall visitor experience in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Organising Malaysian festive celebrations at airports is among Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing strategies under the VM2026 campaign to provide a meaningful arrival experience, strengthen destination branding and promote Malaysia as a culturally rich and safe destination year-round.
This initiative at international gateways plays a crucial role in leaving a positive impression on visitors and encouraging repeat visits.
Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen the country’s global tourism profile while celebrating Malaysia’s cultural diversity in line with the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and supporting the long-term sustainable development of the tourism sector.-pr/BNN
