Experience Malaysia’s Culture at Festival Budaya Malaysia 2026! @ Tourism Malaysia Booth

 

Get ready for 6 days of vibrant Malaysian culture, arts, heritage, food and exciting activities at Festival Budaya Malaysia 2026!

Date: 11–16 September 2026

Time: 9.00 AM – 12.00 AM

Venue: Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur

Where: Tourism Malaysia Booth – Laman 1

FREE ENTRY!

Drop by the Tourism Malaysia booth and enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including:

> Discover amazing domestic tourism & theme park packages

> Meet Wira & Manja at our Meet & Greet session

> Join our social media activity

> Test your knowledge with our Kahoot! Tourism Quiz

> Have fun with traditional games

> Explore exciting craft demonstrations

> Experience our interactive AI activities

> Shop local favourites including Lexzo Coffee, Pomepop & Farm Fresh

And that’s not all! Enjoy traditional performances, heritage food, local crafts, traditional games, E-Sports and even the exciting experience of a hot air balloon ride!

Bring your family and friends and immerse yourself in the colours, flavours and stories that make Malaysia truly special.

See you at Festival Budaya Malaysia 2026!

-Tourism Malaysia.

Penang Hill Festival 2026 @ Penang Hill, Penang ( 17 ~ 19 July 2026 )

 

Feel the immense excitement as Penang Hill’s iconic event – the Penang Hill Festival (PHF) – returns for its thrilling seventh (7th) edition from 17 to 19 July 2026! Set amidst the cool, green heights of Penang Hill, this much-anticipated celebration will bring together a dynamic blend of nature, heritage, and culture in a three-day extravaganza.

More than just a festival, PHF2026 is set to open the door to Penang Hill’s extraordinary wonders, a place that is home to a century-old funicular railway, vibrant cultural landscapes, and lush greenery rich in biodiversity, recognised as the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) in 2021.

Get ready to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of eye-opening talks, interesting guided discovery walks, captivating exhibitions, and engaging workshops, each crafted to showcase the hill’s unique charm. A highlight not to be missed is PHF’s signature event, “Music on the Hill – East meets West”, returning on 19 July 2026 (Sunday) for a wondrous evening of music that blends cultural traditions with modern artistry.

Bring along your family and friends and come join us to “See the Nature, Feel the History”!

-Tourism Malaysia.

Citrawarna 2026 Kembali Menyemarakkan Warna-Warni Warisan Malaysia

 

KUALA LUMPUR - Sambutan kebudayaan ikonik negara, Citrawarna 2026, bakal kembali memeriahkan Dataran Merdeka pada 24 hingga 26 Julai 2026, menghimpunkan persembahan budaya dari seluruh negara dalam satu pertunjukan penuh warna-warni yang menampilkan kepelbagaian tradisi, seni dan warisan Malaysia. 

Berlangsung sempena kempen Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), edisi kali ini membawa tema “Ritma Warisan, Nadi Nusa dan Bangsa”, sekali gus mengangkat Kuala Lumpur sebagai pentas utama meraikan identiti dan kepelbagaian budaya Malaysia. 

Pengunjung bakal disajikan dengan empat segmen utama iaitu Citra Perarakan (Colours of Parade), Citra Rasa (Colours of Flavour), Citra Budaya (Colours of Culture) dan Citra Seni (Colours of Art), yang menawarkan pengalaman menyeluruh melalui persembahan kebudayaan, hidangan tradisi, pameran seni serta pelbagai aktiviti budaya interaktif. 

Sejak diperkenalkan pada tahun 1999, Citrawarna atau Colours of Malaysia telah menjadi platform penting dalam mempromosikan seni, budaya, warisan serta keindahan alam semula jadi Malaysia kepada dunia. 

Penganjuran Citrawarna 2026 oleh Tourism Malaysia dengan kerjasama Yes Travel & Holidays Sdn. Bhd. serta sokongan Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur dan Warisan Kuala Lumpur mencerminkan komitmen bersama dalam memperkukuh kedudukan Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancongan budaya bertaraf dunia. Inisiatif ini turut menyokong pertumbuhan pelancongan inklusif, memperkasa komuniti tempatan, meningkatkan daya tahan industri serta memacu pembangunan ekonomi yang mampan. 

Citrawarna kekal sebagai salah satu produk pelancongan budaya utama Malaysia yang memainkan peranan penting dalam memupuk penghargaan lebih mendalam terhadap kepelbagaian identiti budaya negara, di samping mengeratkan perpaduan masyarakat dari seluruh pelosok tanah air. 

Sepanjang tiga hari penganjuran, sambutan ini akan digerakkan menerusi empat komponen utama yang menjadi nadi kepada Citrawarna 2026 seperti berikut: 

> Citra Perarakan (Colours of Parade) menampilkan perarakan budaya yang menakjubkan melalui gabungan muzik, tarian dan penceritaan oleh kontinjen dari seluruh Malaysia.

> Citra Rasa (Colours of Flavour) meraikan warisan kulinari Malaysia yang kaya dengan hidangan tradisional serta pengalaman gastronomi asli.

> Citra Budaya (Colours of Culture) akan mempamerkan persembahan tradisional, aktiviti bersifat kemasyarakatan dan ekspresi budaya yang mencerminkan kepelbagaian rakyat.

> Citra Seni (Colours of Art) akan mempamerkan kraf tangan tempatan dan demonstrasi seni secara langsung oleh penggiat industri kreatif tempatan.

Acara kemuncak Citrawarna 2026 ialah Citra Perarakan yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada 25 Julai 2026, menghimpunkan penghibur dari seluruh negara dalam satu persembahan besar yang menonjolkan elemen perpaduan, kreativiti dan identiti kebangsaan. Persembahan ini bakal mengubah Dataran Merdeka menjadi pentas penuh warna-warni yang meraikan kekayaan warisan budaya Malaysia melalui muzik, tarian dan penceritaan yang mempesonakan. 

Selain memperkukuh warisan budaya negara, Citrawarna 2026 juga dijangka memberi impak ekonomi yang positif melalui peningkatan kehadiran pelawat domestik dan antarabangsa. Kehadiran ini mampu membuka peluang ekonomi yang lebih luas kepada pengusaha hotel, pengendali pelancongan serta peniaga tempatan, sekali gus merangsang aktiviti ekonomi setempat. 

Bersempena penganjuran ini, Tourism Malaysia mengalu-alukan penyertaan hotel dan penginapan untuk menawarkan kadar bilik istimewa, pakej promosi serta tawaran menarik kepada pengunjung sepanjang acara berlangsung. Inisiatif ini bukan sahaja dapat memperkayakan pengalaman pelawat, malah berpotensi menggalakkan tempoh penginapan yang lebih lama serta meningkatkan limpahan ekonomi pelancongan di Kuala Lumpur. Pihak hotel dan rakan industri pelancongan yang berminat, boleh hubungi Cik Sinoretha Sining melalu e-mel sinoretha@tourism.gov.my atau melalui talian telefon +603-8891 8747. 

Orang ramai dijemput hadir bagi bersama-sama memeriahkan sambutan penuh warna-warni ini dan menjadi sebahagian daripada perayaan budaya, kreativiti dan perpaduan yang menjadi kebanggaan Malaysia. Maklumat lanjut mengenai pengisian program dan sorotan acara akan diumumkan dari semasa ke semasa.

-Tourism Malaysia.

FamTrip: “Refreshing Langkawi 99 Magical Island V3 – Gastronomy, Culture & Heritage” – Langkawi, Kedah

 

Tourism Malaysia melalui Pejabat Tourism Malaysia Wilayah Tengah telah menganjurkan program Refreshing Langkawi 99 Magical Island V3: Gastronomy, Culture & Heritage pada 15 hingga 18 Jun 2026 di Langkawi, Kedah.

Program ini bertujuan untuk mempromosikan produk pelancongan di Langkawi khususnya dalam segmen gastronomi, budaya, warisan dan ekopelancongan, selaras dengan usaha memperkukuhkan promosi pelancongan domestik sempena kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026.

Sepanjang program, para peserta berpeluang menikmati pengalaman unik yang mengetengahkan keindahan alam semula jadi, budaya tempatan serta kepelbagaian produk pelancongan yang terdapat di Langkawi.

Antara lokasi dan aktiviti yang dilawati termasuk Dangau Langkawi, Rarebaqhang Studio di Kompleks Kraf Langkawi, Pak Long's Kelulut Honey Farm, Artcase Galleries Langkawi, Dataran Lang, Langkawi Fish Farm Restaurant, Island Hopping ke Pulau Dayang Bunting dan Pulau Beras Basah, Rumah Makan Jebat, aktiviti "Merewang" dan makan malam tradisional "Nostalgia Kampung Melayu" di Langkawi Country Lodge, SkyCab Cable Car & Eagle Nest Skywalk, Crab Farm, Kubang Badak Biogeotrail serta eksplorasi kuih tradisional dan makanan jalanan di Pantai Cenang.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Pantai Timur Fest Edisi 2026 Bawa Keunikan Kelantan, Terengganu Dan Pahang Ke Ipoh

 

IPOH: Tourism Malaysia hari ini merasmikan penganjuran Pantai Timur Fest 2026, sebuah festival pelancongan yang menghimpunkan keunikan produk pelancongan, budaya, warisan dan gastronomi dari negeri Kelantan, Terengganu dan Pahang. Festival tersebut berlangsung bermula 19 hingga 21 Jun 2026 di AEON Mall Kinta City, Ipoh.

Festival kali ini merupakan penganjuran kali kedua setelah kejayaan edisi sulung yang diadakan di Kuala Lumpur pada tahun lalu. Ipoh dipilih menjadi tuan rumah bagi edisi 2026 dengan tujuan memperluaskan capaian promosi pelancongan Pantai Timur kepada pasaran domestik yang lebih luas, bertepatan dengan kedudukannya sebagai salah satu destinasi pelancongan utama negara serta pusat tumpuan pengunjung dari wilayah utara dan tengah Semenanjung Malaysia.

Majlis perasmian disempurnakan oleh YBrs. Encik Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia dan turut dihadiri oleh YB Tuan Loh Sze Yee, EXCO Kerajaan Negeri Perak; YB Datuk Razali bin Idris, EXCO Kerajaan Negeri Terengganu; YBrs. Encik Muhammad Aminuddin bin Abdul Majid, Pengarah MOTAC Perak; YBrs. Encik Suhaimi bin Abu Hassan Shari, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Tourism Perak; YM Dato' Tengku Mohd Arifin bin Tengku A. Rahman, nan, Pengarah Tourism Terengganu; YBrs. Encik Mohd Roslan bin Abdullah, Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Domestik & Acara, Tourism Malaysia; YBrs. Encik Teck Soon Hing, Pengurus Pusat Membeli-belah AEON Mall Kinta City, wakil-wakil industri pelancongan serta para pempamer dari Kelantan, Terengganu dan Pahang.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Penang gazettes Fort Cornwallis, asam laksa among 50 heritage items

 

The state government says the long-delayed gazettement exercise under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 marks a major step in preserving Penang’s multicultural identity and cultural legacy. – AI-generated pic (For illustration purposes)

GEORGE TOWN: Fort Cornwallis, asam laksa and char kway teow are among 50 cultural heritage items recently gazetted in a landmark move to institutionalise the protection of Penang's rich multicultural legacy. 

In the latest round of gazettements on May 7, Penang recognised 15 heritage sites, the Nillaikalakki Silambam martial art and 18 heritage food items under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011. 

Among the prominent landmarks gazetted were Fort Cornwallis, Penang Free School, the Penang High Court, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Acheen Street Malay Mosque, Khoo Kongsi, the Penang State Museum Board building and St George's Church. 

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the latest recognitions marked a major milestone in the state's cultural preservation efforts. 

"Although the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 was passed as early as 2011, no official state-level cultural heritage gazettement had been carried out under the enactment over the past 15 years. 

"As such, the Penang government took proactive and important steps this year to translate the legal provisions into concrete action," he said today. 

The May 2026 gazettement also gave heritage recognition to many of Penang's best-known dishes and street food staples, including asam laksa, char kway teow, cendol, teh tarik, air batu campur, roti canai, putu mayam, muruku, mi goreng mamak, martabak and kari kapitan. 

Earlier, on Jan 22, the state gazetted several intangible cultural heritage elements, including nasi kandar culture, kopitiam culture, the Thaipusam and Chingay processions, the St Anne's Feast in Bukit Mertajam and the Penang Tanjong dialect. 

Traditional food items such as nasi kandar, pasembor, oh chien, Hokkien mee, mi udang and roti Benggali were also gazetted in January. 

Wong said the gazettement exercise went beyond administrative procedure and reflected the state's commitment to preserving Penang's historical memory, cultural diversity, artistic heritage and social identity. 

He said the recognition of heritage across various ethnic communities also reflected Penang's long-standing culture of openness and coexistence. 

"Heritage is not merely a repository of local memories, but also an important bridge in strengthening national unity. 

"When the histories, beliefs, celebrations, languages, food culture and built heritage of various communities are recognised and protected institutionally, society can deepen mutual understanding and strengthen unity through cultural appreciation," he added. 

Wong said all heritage items gazetted at the state level could potentially be proposed for recognition under the National Heritage Act 2005 and eventually nominated for UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

He said the initiative would further strengthen Penang's standing as an international cultural heritage tourism destination while supporting growth in tourism, education, research and the creative economy.

-nst online.

Restored Sultan Abdul Samad Block 1 opens to public today

 

KUALA LUMPUR: After nearly a year of conservation and restoration, Block 1 of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building Complex opens today (Feb 2), marking the first completed phase of Khazanah Nasional Bhd's Dana Warisan initiative. 

Khazanah managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said the project, part of the Warisan Kuala Lumpur programme, demonstrates the value of strong public-private collaboration and synergy. 

"Beyond conserving the building, our focus is to activate it as an inclusive and living public space that is accessible to all, and one that contributes to Kuala Lumpur's vibrancy and long-term growth. 

"The timely reopening of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad supports Visit Malaysia 2026 and is expected to generate broader spillover effects for the local economy, particularly across tourism, retail and logistics," he said in a statement. 

Block 1 marks the first completed phase of the wider restoration of the complex, with works focused on safeguarding the building's character as a national heritage site while enhancing safety, accessibility and the overall visitor experience. 

Visitors can now enjoy a range of offerings at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, including immersive exhibition spaces and galleries, a one-stop visitor centre, experiential retail and craft-making spaces, as well as lettable event halls and venues.

Under the Warisan KL initiative, Khazanah has been entrusted with preserving and rejuvenating eight significant historic buildings, including Seri Negara and Carcosa at Bukit Carcosa, as well as the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Complex. 

The complex comprises the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Pejabat Pos Lama, the former Kuala Lumpur High Court, Panggung Bandaraya, the former FMS Survey Office and the National Textile Museum. 

A pedestrian bridge linking Seri Negara and Carcosa to the Perdana Botanical Gardens Kuala Lumpur is also slated for completion by the end of this year. 

Khazanah has allocated RM600 million to fund the initiative, with restoration works on the remaining buildings to be completed in phases over the coming years. 

To mark the reopening, admission to the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery will be complimentary for the first month.

-nst online.

Desa Kirana initiative targets 100,000 visitors to boost rural tourism

 

SABAK BERNAM: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry aims to attract 100,000 visitors to homestays through its newly launched Desa Kirana initiative, featuring 25 rural tourism destinations in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said the Desa Kirana programme is among the ministry's 'game changers', driving rural economic growth by emphasising five key attractions: heritage and culture, natural attractions, local gastronomy, traditional products, and authentic village experiences. 

"With the collaboration of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, together with homestay and village associations, we expect tourists, especially from Japan and Korea, to be very interested in visiting rural areas. 

"When I summarised the Cabinet Tourism Committee meeting, my target is that by the end of 2026, Desa Kirana, comprising 25 village packages across the country, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia,will be established as key tourist destinations, without forgetting Sabah and Sarawak," he said after officiating the Desa Kirana Comprehensive Package announcement ceremony here today. 

He added that promotional efforts would continue until the end of 2027 to achieve the 100,000-visitor target. 

Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said the ministry balances high-end and low-end tourism to ensure all visitors can enjoy Malaysia's beauty.

"The tagline for Visit Malaysia Year remains 'Malaysia Truly Asia'. Malaysia reflects the very essence of Asia. 

"During my tenure as Deputy Tourism Minister, I was very familiar with tourism products. However, times and circumstances have changed. 

"High-end tourists no longer want to stay only in cities, but there are few options for them to explore rural areas. 

"Urban areas abroad may offer better facilities and more entertainment, so tourists want to venture into the countryside," he added. 

Commenting further, he said the Desa Kirana approach not only strengthens the competitiveness of rural tourism destinations but also creates new income opportunities for local communities through homestays, community-based tourism activities, and local product development. 

"The ministry targets a 20 per cent increase in local community income by 2026, taking into account the potential and uniqueness of each location," he said.

-nst online.

Reruai Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya di Program Rancakkan MADANI @ Dataran Putrajaya ( 5 ~ 7 Disember 2025 )

 

Singgah ke reruai Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya di Program Rancakkan MADANI untuk menikmati:

> Aktiviti ‘Virtual Realiti’

> Jualan Kraf & Batik Rahmah

> Demonstrasi Batik & Interaktif Kraf Mewarna Batik

> Persembahan Buskers

> Demonstrasi Arkeologi

> Edaran makanan warisan

> Persembahan kebudayaan

> Jualan batik dan kraftangan

> Sesi interaktif doodles

Dan kemunculan maskot Wira & Manja!

Ini spot yang confirm meriah sepanjang tiga hari! Paling best peluang melihat demonstrasi roti canai terbang dan teh tarik

Tarikh: 5–7 Disember 2025

Lokasi: Dataran Putrajaya

Jom datang ramai-ramai!

-MOTAC.

Memulihara warisan KL

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Pelaburan Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) dalam pemuliharaan Carcosa Seri Negara dan Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad berupaya menarik penyertaan pelabur swasta dalam merancakkan lagi aktiviti ekonomi di kawasan sekitarnya. 

Ketika timbul kritikan sinis terhadap pelaburan itu, Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan, Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican berkata, ia juga akan 'menghidupkan' semula kawasan warisan di ibu negara.

Beliau berkata, pelaburan yang dibuat Khazanah kira-kira RM600 juta itu sebenarnya adalah sebahagian inisiatif Warisan KL.  

Katanya komitmen kerajaan untuk menghidupkan semula kawasan warisan di ibu negara itu tidak terhenti di situ sahaja, sebaliknya perancangan masa depan juga termasuk penambahbaikan Kompleks Dayabumi dan pemuliharaan Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur yang ikonik.

Tegasnya, apa yang penting, usaha pemulihan bangunan warisan oleh kerajaan menerusi syarikat pelaburan berkaitan kerajaan (GLIC) telah mewujudkan keyakinan kepada pelabur swasta yang ketara. 

"Bersama dengan Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) yang memulihkan semula Stadium Merdeka dan Stadium Negara di kawasan Merdeka 118, dilihat memberi keyakinan kepada pelabur untuk melabur di kawasan tumpuan seperti Lebuh Ampang dan Jalan Petaling.

"Kawasan sekitarnya itu kini menyaksikan perubahan positif dengan kawasan Petaling Street, misalnya, tidak lagi sekadar pasar jalanan, tetapi telah menjadi tumpuan hotel butik berprestij dengan kadar bilik hingga RM1,000 semalam," katanya kepada BH Ahad dalam satu temu bual baru-baru ini. 

Menurut Johan, dengan adanya Merdeka 118 dan pemuliharaan semula Stadium Merdeka dan Stadium Negara juga telah menarik kemasukan pelabur swasta. 

Katanya, difahamkan ada pelaburan ratusan juta ringgit oleh pelabur swasta bagi mengambil alih deretan kedai warisan di kawasan sekitar Lebuh Ampang dan membaik pulihnya menjadi kafe baharu. 

Katanya, kawasan itu kini bertukar wajah menjadi hab 'hipster' dengan pelbagai kedai dan kafe baharu, sekali gus menjadi destinasi menarik untuk pelancongan. 

Tambahnya, kawasan tumpuan pelancong lain seperti Central Market KL yang dulunya sepi, kini dilihat lebih meriah dan menjadi tumpuan ramai. 

Pelaburan strategik 

Beliau menekankan bahawa pelaburan strategik oleh GLIC itu bukan bertujuan menyingkirkan atau 'crowd out' pembabitan sektor swasta, sebaliknya membantu menarik atau 'crowd in' pelaburan swasta dengan keyakinan bahawa kerajaan sememangnya memulihkan semula bangunan warisan, menghidupkan semula kawasan sekitar. 

"Apabila kerajaan menunjukkan komitmen untuk membelanjakan dana dan memulihkan kawasan ini menjadi cantik, sektor swasta menjadi lebih yakin untuk melabur. 

"Impak ekonomi daripada pemulihan tapak warisan ini diharapkan dapat 'menarik' pelaburan lain," katanya. 

Dalam pembentangan Belanjawan 2026 bulan lalu, Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim memaklumkan hampir empat dekad lalu, kerajaan telah merundingkan pemulangan Carcosa Seri Negara daripada pihak British, yakni sebuah bangunan bersejarah yang melambangkan maruah dan kedaulatan bangsa.

Beliau berkata, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, saksi bersejarah mengenai Raja-Raja Melayu dan di mana bendera Union Jack diturunkan. 

Katanya, Khazanah melabur untuk kerja pemuliharaan Carcosa Seri Negara dan usaha Warisan KL diperluas kepada kerja pemuliharaan Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur dan Kompleks Dayabumi. 

Perdana Menteri berkata, pembangunan Merdeka 118 oleh PNB akan dilengkapi dengan pembukaan Muzium Tekstil pada tahun depan sebagai usaha mengetengahkan tekstil dunia Melayu selain memulihara Stadium Merdeka dan Stadium Negara. 

Carcosa Seri Negara dibina pada 1896 oleh Sir Frank Swettenham, Residen-Jeneral British pertama di Negeri-Negeri Melayu Bersekutu dan dijadikan kediaman rasminya sejak 1904. 

Bangunan bersejarah itu juga pernah menjadi saksi kepada pemeteraian Perjanjian Persekutuan Tanah Melayu pada 1957.

 Dengan usaha pemulihan yang dijalankan Khazanah itu, Carcosa Seri Negara bakal menjadi destinasi ekobudaya inklusif yang merangkumi galeri, ruang penceritaan dan aktiviti komuniti. 

Menggabungkan elemen warisan, biodiversiti dan kreativiti, tapak itu bakal menawarkan pengalaman imersif, serta mengukuhkan peranannya dalam masa depan budaya dan ekologi KL.

-berita harian online.

Festival Warisan Nusantara 2025 @ Dewan Warisan, Kangar, Perlis ( 24 ~ 27 Oktober 2025 )

 

Festival Warisan Nusantara 2025 (Warisan ‘25) kembali untuk edisi kedua dengan tema “Anak Bangsa” menghimpunkan warisan, budaya dan seni dalam satu perayaan yang penuh cerita dan warna.

Tarikh: 24–27 Oktober 2025

Lokasi: Dewan Warisan, Kangar, Perlis

Edisi pertama mencipta kenangan. Edisi kali ini bakal membuka lembaran baru, dengan lebih banyak persembahan budaya, pengisian interaktif, dan kejutan istimewa buat semua lapisan masyarakat.

Sertai kami untuk 4 hari yang sarat dengan aktiviti menarik buat semua lapisan masyarakat.

Jom bersama kami meraikan warisan bangsa, menghidupkan seni, dan menyemarakkan semangat Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

-Perlis Permai.

2026 Budget: Government allocates RM700 million to boost tourism sector

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated more than RM700 million to boost the country's tourism sector under the 2026 Budget. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the bulk of the proposed allocation, or RM500 million, will be utilised for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. 

He said RM60 million will be allocated to promote tourism, marketing, and the organisation of cultural events and activities, while RM50 million will be provided to support art and heritage entrepreneurs in generating income, including those involved in crafts, batik, and weaving. 

"A total of RM50 million in matching grants will be allocated to encourage international and charter flights to Malaysia. 

"Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has attracted 10 international airlines to operate in Malaysia, including British Airways, Hong Kong Express, and Jiangxi Air," said Anwar, who is also the finance minister, when tabling the 2026 Budget.

Anwar added that RM25 million from the allocation will be set aside to improve tourism facilities, including the conservation of UNESCO sites such as Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Lenggong Valley in Perak, and FRIM Forest Park in Selangor, which was newly designated this year. 

He said the 2026 Budget will also include measures to strengthen the medical tourism sector. 

"A total of RM20 million will be allocated to enhance medical tourism programmes under the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)," he said. 

"We have an ambitious goal which is to attract 47 million visitors and generate RM329 billion in tourism revenue. 

"This is a transformation that promises widespread economic benefits for small traders, tourism entrepreneurs, rural communities, craft producers, and the people as a whole," Anwar added.

-nst online.

13MP: New Special Tourism Investment Zones in four states

 

KUALA LUMPUR: New Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ) will be developed in Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Sarawak. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this would involve collaboration between the federal government, state governments, the private sector and cooperatives. 

"These zones will serve as catalysts for the creation of new tourism products, including those based on artistic, cultural and heritage assets, as well as natural attractions." 

He cited the Sungai Batu Civilisation site in Kedah, Lenggong Valley and Niah Caves, all recognised by Unesco, as examples of natural attractions.

The five-year 13MP, which covers the period from 2026 to 2030, provides a strategic framework for Malaysia's economic, social and environmental priorities. 

The plan comes as the nation navigates an increasingly complex global environment and a broad domestic reform agenda.

The 13MP will also serve as a key policy platform for the unity government, which has anchored much of its governance on the principles of the Madani Economy. 

Previously, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the 13MP reflected the government's commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable economic foundation over the next five years.

-nst online.

Program Geopark Odyssey: Heritage & Archaeo Tourism 2025 @ Lipis Geopark 2025

 

Tourism Malaysia melalui Pejabat Tourism Malaysia Wilayah Timur telah menganjurkan FamTrip Program Geopark Odyssey : Heritage & Archaeo Tourism 2025 @ Lipis Geopark 2025 pada 18 hingga 20 Julai 2025 di daerah Jerantut dan Kuala Lipis, Pahang.

Program ini melibatkan  seramai 32 peserta terdiri daripada wakil agensi pelancongan, media tempatan,penghasil kandungan media sosial serta para pegawai daripada Perbadanan Taman Negeri Pahang, Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Negeri Pahang dan Majlis Daerah Lipis,  dengan objektif untuk memperkenalkan produk pelacongan yang berpotensi di daerah Jerantut dan Kuala Lipis sebagai destinasi pelancongan terutamanya menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026.

Antara lokasi lawatan termasuk Gua Kota Gelanggi,Gua Tagang,Gua Sisik Naga, Gua Bama, Perkampungan Orang Asli Pos Betau, Dataran Kars Merapoh,Taman Negara Sungai Relau, serta jejak warisan di sekitar bandar Kuala Lipis.

Program ini mengetengahkan keunikan geologi  Lipis Geopark serta aktiviti lasak seperti penjelajahan gua dan pendakian via ferrata serta budaya tempatan dan sejarah Jerantut dan Kuala Lipis.

Tourism Malaysia terus komited dalam menyokong pembangunan pelancongan setempat serta minat khas dalam usaha untuk memperluas ekosistem pelancongan berimpak tinggi menjelang Visit Malaysia 2026.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Pengiktirafan Tapak Frim Forest Park Selangor (FRIM FPS) Sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia Unesco

 

PARIS, 11 JULAI |  Tapak FRIM Forest Park Selangor (FRIM FPS) telah berjaya disenaraikan sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO semasa “47th Session of the World Heritage Committee” di Ibu Pejabat UNESCO, Paris. Pengiktirafan yang cukup berprestij ini telah diputuskan oleh 21 ahli Negara Anggota ‘World Heritage Committee’.

Kehadiran delegasi ke sesi ini diketuai oleh YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin Sohot, Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) dan turut dihadiri oleh YB Datuk Borhan bin Aman Shah, EXCO Perumahan dan Kebudayaan Negeri Selangor, YBrs. Encik Mohamad Muda bin Bahadin, Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Warisan Negara (JWN), YBhg. Dato' Dr. Ismail bin Haji Parlan, Ketua Pengarah FRIM, Encik Hazreen Abdul Haleem, Delegasi Tetap Malaysia ke UNESCO, serta pegawai-pegawai kanan dari MOTAC, JWN dan Kerajaan Negeri Selangor.

Dengan kejayaan ini, Malaysia secara keseluruhan telah berjaya menyenaraikan enam (6) Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO. Penyenaraian sebelum ini terdiri daripada Taman Negara Gunung Mulu (2000), Taman Kinabalu (2000), Bandar Bersejarah Selat Melaka, Melaka dan George Town (2008), Warisan Arkeologi Lembah Lenggong (2012) dan Warisan Arkeologi Kompleks Gua Taman Negara Niah (2024).

MOTAC optimis bahawa dengan pengiktirafan ini akan menyuntik nilai tambah yang signifikan kepada FRIM FPS sebagai salah satu produk pelancongan utama di Negeri Selangor seterusnya meningkatkan kedatangan pelancong luar negara ke Malaysia.

-MOTAC.

New Sabah landmark: 22-storey tourism and culture centre to be built in KK

 

An artist's impression of the proposed 22-storey building which will be a centre for Sabah tourism and culture. Pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will have a new landmark to showcase the state's rich tourism and culture sectors. 

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the building, to be named Wisma Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan, will be the future home of both promotional and heritage-focused entities.

It will replace the current building in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, replacing the ageing facility so as to be a modern cultural and administrative hub for Sabah. 

The structure will include a two-storey atrium hall, the office tower lobby gallery, a performing arts centre, a dance studio, and a "Black Box" theatre hall, among other facilities.

Its multi-story car park will be able to accommodate up to 500 cars. 

Liew said this in a statement following the signing of a financial agreement between her ministry, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, Sabah Tourism Board, and Sabah Cultural Board.

She said the new building will feature information technology and audio visual (AV) facilities, setting a new standard for public cultural infrastructure in the state. 

"If everything goes well according to plan, the project should be completed within two years. 

"The ministry will finally have its own house, and all agencies under the ministry will be accommodated under one roof." 

The signing ceremony was held at the ministry's conference room, with its permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Sabah Parks director Datuk Dr Maklarin Lakim, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit and Sabah Cultural Board general manager Mackey Apison. 

Also in attendance was Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

-nst online.

Malaysia, China submit joint lion dance nomination for Unesco heritage list

 

GEORGE TOWN: The nomination dossiers for the lion dance and Chingay parade have been submitted to Unesco for inclusion in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. 

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai confirmed that the lion dance nomination is a joint effort between Malaysia and China, while the Chingay parade is a collaborative nomination between Malaysia and Singapore. 

"Unesco will announce the results of these nominations by the end of 2026," Wong said in a statement today. 

"These nominations will elevate the global recognition of these iconic traditional performances."

Wong explained that the state government worked with Malaysia's National Heritage Department and China's Department of National Heritage to compile the necessary documentation for the lion dance nomination. 

Regarding the Chingay parade, Wong highlighted its role as a vibrant cultural event featuring lion and dragon dances, floats, and other performances.

Held annually in Penang, Johor, and Singapore, it celebrates community spirit. Historical records from The Straits Times dating back to 1883 reflect Penang's longstanding Chingay tradition. 

Originally a religious celebration by the local Chinese community, the event has evolved into a state-supported tourism attraction, drawing both locals and tourists to the streets of Penang each year. 

"The Penang government, through my office, has sent representatives to workshops to prepare the nomination dossiers for both the lion dance and Chingay parade," Wong added. 

"We take pride in this collaboration and are committed to preserving these invaluable elements of our intangible cultural heritage." 

In June last year, Malaysia and China signed an agreement to jointly nominate the lion dance for Unescos' Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Similarly, in November, Malaysia and Singapore announced plans to jointly nominate the Chingay street parade for inclusion in the list by March 2025. 

Singapore's National Heritage Board (NHB) noted that the decision was made jointly, given the presence of Chingay-practicing communities in both countries, including in Penang and Johor Baru.

-nst online.

Terengganu Batik entrepreneurs step up after National Craft Expo postponement

 

visual: Persatuan Pengusaha-pengusaha Batik Terengganu

KUALA LUMPUR: The Terengganu Batik Entrepreneurs Association has stepped up to organise a 10-day bazaar following the postponement of the National Craft Day Expo 2025. 

Its president, Shafei Ghazali, said the initiative was taken as many members had already invested time and resources in preparing crafts for the expo. 

In January, Kraftangan Malaysia, an agency under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, announced the postponement of the expo, originally scheduled for Feb 14 to 28, citing unforeseen circumstances. A new date has yet to be announced. 

In a statement today, Shafei said the association's event, Bazar Kraf Aidilfitri 2025, will be held from March 18 to 27 at Kompleks Kraf Jalan Conlay in Kuala Lumpur.

"We thank Kraftangan Malaysia for offering us the venue at a good rate, and we are happy that many entrepreneurs from other states are joining us," he said. 

The bazaar will feature 80 booths offering batik, songket, silver jewellery, rattan products, and accessories such as handbags, songkok, tarbus, bags, and cookies for Hari Raya.

The largest group of exhibitors is from Terengganu, with others from Kelantan, Selangor, Pahang, Perlis, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak. 

Various activities, including lucky draws, are planned throughout the 10-day event. 

Association of Traditional Textiles Lovers and Enthusiasts founder and vice-president, Fatimah Ismail, said the event would provide a much-needed platform for artisans to showcase their products and generate sales ahead of Hari Raya. 

The Bazar Kraf Aidilfitri will be open from 10am to 7pm (Monday to Thursday) and 10am to 9pm (Friday to Sunday).

-nst online.

Tahun Melawat Perlis langkah awal menuju Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026

 

KANGAR: Tahun Melawat Perlis (TMPs) 2024-2025 adalah kempen yang penting dan langkah awal menuju ke Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026.

Pemangku Raja Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail bertitah, agar semua pihak yang berkepentingan dalam sektor pelancongan untuk meningkatkan usaha dalam menjayakan kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026.

"Inisiatif ini penting untuk memaksimumkan ekonomi kita dan menjadikan Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancongan utama di peringkat global.

"TMPs adalah langkah awal menuju Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 dan beta rasa gembira dan bangga menjemput semua delegasi untuk meneroka bentuk muka bumi dan keindahan yang tenang serta keajaiban tersembunyi yang terletak di Wilayah Utara Malaysia iaitu Perlis," titahnya.

Baginda bertitah pada Majlis Perasmian Asean China Heritage Dimension of National Arts (DNA) di sebuah hotel, di sini semalam. Turut berangkat ke majlis berkenaan adalah Raja Puan Muda Perlis, Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.

Titahnya lagi, pihaknya berharap semua pihak dapat meneroka pelbagai tempat menarik di negeri Perlis. "Ini termasuklah Projek Transformasi DiRaja melengkapkan Kampung Warna Warni Seberang Ramai, Muzium Kota Kayang, Batik Inderawasih dan nikmati pelbagai hidangan lazat dan menarik yang ditawarkan oleh restoran dan kafe di negeri ini. "Selamilah keindahan tenang Perlis 'The Undeniable Charm' dan nikmatilah keindahan semula jadi Perlis," titahnya.

Terdahulu, baginda berkenan menyaksikan pelbagai persembahan kebudayaan termasuk persembahan penglipulara terkenal 'Awang Batil'. Malah, majlis turut diserikan dengan pelbagai koleksi busana pakaian tradisional dari negara serantau dan China.

Turut hadir adalah Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (Pengurusan) Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Menteri Besar Perlis, Mohd Shukri Ramli dan Presiden Warisan ASEAN China, Azharuddin Ramli atau lebih dikenali sebagai Arja Lee.

-berita harian online.