Perak plans monthly cultural festivals to attract tourists, starting with a six-day Hari Raya bazaar in March after a successful Chinese New Year event

IPOH: The Perak state government plans to hold cultural festivals more frequently to boost tourism.

State Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said events will be tailored to specific celebrations and themes.

“We plan to organise such events monthly or at least twice every two to three months in the same area,” Loh told reporters.

He was speaking after attending the 2026 Chinese New Year Cultural Festival at Kinta Riverwalk.

The eight-day festival concluded last night after drawing an estimated 5,000 visitors each evening.

It featured traditional performances, drum shows, fashion displays, painting competitions and fireworks.

Looking ahead, Loh said a six-day cultural festival in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be held before the March celebrations.

The festival will take the form of a Raya bazaar, in collaboration with various government agencies.

It will feature Rahmah sales and products by local craft and heritage artisans.

“As the cultural festival falls during Ramadan, the activities will reflect Malay and Islamic traditions, distinct from the Chinese New Year celebrations,” he said.

Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming officiated the Chinese New Year event.

In his closing speech, Nga noted the festival drew an enthusiastic crowd and could be made an annual event.

He added that this year’s Chinese New Year was particularly significant, occurring just two days before Ramadan for Muslims.

“Muslims are fasting while the Chinese celebrate, yet everything remains peaceful. This is the strength of our country; our cultural diversity is our asset,” Nga said.

“We must always safeguard racial harmony, because unity and social cohesion across communities are two key pillars of our nation’s success.”

 The Sun Malaysia