Tourism Malaysia Welcomes 1,500 Visitors At KKIA With Aidilfitri Do

KOTA KINABALU, March 23 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Tourism Malaysia today welcomed domestic and international visitors with a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Sabah Office director Chong Wai Kit said during the programme, visitors were greeted with festive souvenirs at the arrival hall and invited to enjoy traditional Hari Raya Aidilfitri delicacies.

"The festive atmosphere was further enlivened by Malay cultural performances themed around Aidilfitri, including appearances by the VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja.

"Adding to the festive atmosphere were symbolic events of filling rice and boiling ketupat, special traditions for Hari Raya," he told reporters after officiating the event here today.

He said the initiative reflects the country's cultural heritage and the warm hospitality of Malaysia Truly Asia.

Chong said the celebration, which took place from noon to 4 pm, welcomed some 1,500 passengers from Singapore and Seoul, as well as domestic travellers from Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Tawau, and Sandakan.

He added that similar events were also held at eight other major airports nationwide, including those in Selangor, Penang, Johor, Kedah, Perak, and Sarawak.

Chong said the programme was hosted in collaboration with various parties, including MOTAC agencies, airlines, tourism industry associations, and corporate entities such as Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd, Sabah Tourism Board, Batik Air, Spritzer, and Photobook.

"This collaboration reflects the strong support from all stakeholders for the promotion of the country’s tourism industry in enhancing the visitor experience for VM2026.

"Organising festive activities at airports is one of Tourism Malaysia's ongoing strategies under the VM2026 campaign to provide a meaningful arrival experience, strengthen destination branding, and promote Malaysia as a cultured, safe, and visitor-friendly destination," he said.

He said such initiatives at international gateways help leave a positive impression on visitors and encourage repeat visits.

Chong added that through these celebrations, Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen the country's global tourism profile while celebrating Malaysia's cultural diversity, in line with VM2026 objectives and the sustainable development of the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, more than 300 domestic and international visitors arriving at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here were welcomed with traditional treats, such as dodol and murukku.

Tourists from Singapore and domestic visitors from Johor Bahru were greeted with kompang performances and Aidilfitri-themed Malay cultural shows, including appearances by the VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja.

Tourism Malaysia’s Domestic and Events Division senior director Mohd Roslan Abdullah said the programme aims to celebrate visitors at key entry points with a warm, festive atmosphere, portraying Malaysia’s unique culture.

“The Aidilfitri celebrations, featuring cultural performances, festive decorations and traditional treats, give visitors a taste of Malaysia’s authentic culture,” he said at a press conference after the event here today.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia said in a statement that the airport celebrations are part of its ongoing VM2026 strategy to create a warm arrival experience, strengthen Malaysia’s brand, and promote the country as a culturally rich, safe and welcoming destination.

The statement added that these initiatives at international entry points help create a positive first impression and encourage visitors to return.

-- BERNAMA