PM Anwar To Officiate 'I Lite U' In Bukit Bintang On Jan 3

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- The country's iconic shopping and entertainment district, Bukit Bintang, will be transformed into a dazzling spectacle on Jan 3 with the "I LITE U" ceremony in front of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, marking the national launch of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the opening ceremony, while Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is also expected to attend in support of the national tourism campaign.

He said the national-level event is spearheaded by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Federal Territories Department under the Prime Minister’s Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to reflect the unity and shared aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.

“Bukit Bintang will shine brightly as Malaysia showcases its diversity, charm and cultural vibrancy to the world. To underscore the significance of this occasion, the event will be broadcast live on national television stations, further amplifying the visibility of the VMY 2026 campaign,” he said in a statement.

Nga said several major roads in the Bukit Bintang area would be temporarily closed on the day of the event to facilitate a grand parade involving 20 contingents, as well as live performances by renowned local artistes.

He added that the ceremony is expected to attract a large turnout of both local and international visitors, in line with efforts to promote Malaysia as a premier tourism destination ahead of VMY 2026.

Nga also invited Malaysians across the country to take part in the celebration, encouraging attendees to use public transportation to help ease traffic congestion and enhance the overall event experience.

Meanwhile, he also reminded the public that the Community Service Order for littering offences will come into effect on Jan 1, next year.

“As we prepare to welcome the tourism year, I would like to remind all Malaysians to uphold public cleanliness and the city’s image, so that every visitor leaves with warm and lasting memories of feeling at home in Malaysia,” he said.

Under the new regulation, offenders may face penalties including fines and mandatory street-cleaning duties, Nga said, urging all participants and spectators to observe the law and play a collective role in maintaining cleanliness, safety and a welcoming environment for tourists in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA