Tourism Malaysia greeted 1,500 visitors at KKIA with Aidilfitri celebrations, traditional food, and cultural performances to promote TMM2026 and Malaysian hospitality

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism Malaysia welcomed 1,500 domestic and international visitors arriving at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) today with festive Aidilfitri celebrations.

The event, aligned with the Visit Malaysia Year (TMM) 2026 campaign, featured traditional festive dishes and gifts for passengers at the airport’s Arrival Hall.

MOTAC Sabah Office Director Chong Wai Kit said the lively atmosphere included Malay cultural performances with an Aidilfitri theme and appearances by the TMM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja.

The festivities also featured the symbolic traditions of filling rice and boiling ‘ketupat’.

“The celebration, which ran from noon to 4 pm, welcomed international and domestic passengers from Singapore, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Tawau and Sandakan,” Chong told reporters after officiating the event.

He said similar events were held at eight other major airports across the country.

These included airports in Selangor, Penang, Johor, Kedah, Perak and Sarawak.

Chong stated the programme was realised through strategic cooperation with various parties.

Partners included agencies under MOTAC, airlines, tourism industry associations, and corporate entities like Malaysia Airports and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).

“This cooperation reflects the strong support of all parties in promoting the national tourism industry,” he said.

He added that organising festive activities at airports is a continuous strategy under the TMM2026 campaign.

The initiative aims to provide a meaningful arrival experience and strengthen Malaysia’s destination branding.

“It also promotes Malaysia as a cultural, safe, and visitor-friendly destination,” Chong said.

He believes such initiatives at international gateways leave a positive impression on visitors.

This positive experience encourages repeat visits to the country.

Through these celebrations, Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen the nation’s global tourism profile.

The events celebrate Malaysia’s cultural diversity in line with TMM2026 objectives and support sustainable tourism sector development.

 The Sun Malaysia