VM2026: Kelantan Sultan Urges State To Promote Tourism Products, Strengthen CBT

KOTA BHARU, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan government needs to leverage Visit Malaysia 2026 to promote high-potential tourism products, including urban, cultural, historical heritage, arts, gastronomy, coastal, eco-agro and geo-tourism, said Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V.

His Royal Highness said the people of Kelantan, known for their warmth and hospitality, could help elevate community-based tourism (CBT) as the state’s future tourism product.

“Therefore, I hope CBT can be strengthened through close cooperation between communities, local authorities, the government and the private sector.

“The industry’s success also depends on creativity and fresh ideas that can attract tourists,” he said in his royal address at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 56th birthday at Istana Balai Besar here today.

The Ruler also highlighted the importance of improving cleanliness, landscape beauty and public amenities.

“The role of local authorities is crucial in ensuring that tourist areas are well-managed, clean and visitor-friendly, thus enhancing the state’s image as a beautiful and attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sultan Muhammad V commended the state government’s efforts to empower the younger generation in Kelantan as the driving force of the state and the nation’s future.

“I hope this endeavour will continue with emphasis on developing a youth ecosystem encompassing leadership, entrepreneurship and digital technology, while addressing social ills, including drug abuse.

“I also welcome the state government’s initiative in making Kelantan the first state to enforce a ban on the sale of vape and shisha since 2015,” he said.

The Sultan expressed his deepest appreciation to enforcement agencies for their cooperation in implementing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.

-- BERNAMA