KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the New Year alongside thousands of Malaysians at Pavilion last night.
The event officially kicks off the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign during a spectacular countdown celebration in the heart of the capital.
The VM2026 Countdown Festival, held on New Year’s Eve, featured a large-scale multimedia showcase combining pyromusical fireworks, drone formations, laser effects and 3D anamorphic projections.
The highlight of the visual display was the appearance of the VM2026 Malayan sun bear mascots, Wira and Manja, lighting up the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Also present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud; Motac secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot; and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud.
Tiong in his speech text said the celebration symbolised the country’s readiness to welcome the world and marked a strong start towards Malaysia’s tourism ambitions.
“This celebration was a symbolic event to ignite the momentum for Visit Malaysia 2026 while welcoming the world to our shores.
“Malaysia is now fully ready to showcase its unique culture, creativity and the warm hospitality of its people,” he said, adding that the country is targeting 43 million international tourist arrivals.
The festival, a collaboration between The Fame Events, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, drew large crowds of both local and international visitors.
The main stage featured performances by leading local artistes including Shila Amzah, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Vanessa Reynauld, Kidd Santhe, The Kuans, KLP48 and Nazu, alongside cultural showcases blending traditional and contemporary elements.
The countdown celebration was part of a wider VM2026 festive programme that began on Dec 26, with events held across several locations in the Klang Valley.
Among them were the VM2026 Bazaar at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, arts and culture showcases at Fahrenheit 88, and the Bukit Bintang food bazaar at Lot 10, highlighting Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage.
VM2026 is guided by five strategic pillars: sustainability, cultural heritage, nature-based adventure, digital innovation and global connectivity.
The campaign aims to position Malaysia more strongly on the global tourism map while encouraging nationwide participation.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
