Tourism Malaysia welcomed 1,500 international and domestic passengers on the third day of Hari Raya celebrations at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) in conjunction with Visit Malaysia (VM) 2026.
The travellers arrived on 21 flights from Singapore, Incheon, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Labuan, Lahad Datu, Tawau and Sandakan between 12pm and 4pm, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) Sabah director Chong Wai Kit, who led the welcoming ceremony.
Similar ceremonies were also held in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Kedah, Perak and Sarawak.
The visitors received goodie bags from invited guests, tourism stakeholders and associations, as well as Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar.
Following the Chinese New Year celebrations in February, the series of cultural events continues to showcase the diversity of Malaysia’s multicultural society, he said.
“This programme aims to showcase Malaysia’s hospitality and cultural heritage to visitors,” he said.
The visitors also watched a symbolic activity involving the filling of rice and boiling of ketupat, performed by invited guests, reflecting Malaysian hospitality, he said.
The VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, made appearances to greet visitors.
The programme was carried out through collaboration with stakeholders, including agencies under Motac, airlines, corporate sponsors and tourism industry associations. Participating partners included Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd, Sabah Tourism Board, Batik Air, Adabi, Spritzer and Photobook.
Organising festive celebrations at airports is part of Tourism Malaysia’s efforts under the VM2026 campaign to enhance the arrival experience, strengthen destination branding and promote Malaysia as a culturally rich and safe destination.
Tourism Malaysia continues to promote the country’s tourism industry while highlighting its cultural diversity in line with the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026.
