KOTA KINABALU, June 18 – In celebration of Sabah’s vibrant Kaamatan Festival and the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Tourism Malaysia Sabah hosted a lively cultural welcome at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) for thousands of arriving travellers.
The event greeted passengers from 27 incoming flights—including from Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, and local destinations—with traditional music, dance, and festive cheer. Guests were immersed in Sabah’s rich cultural heritage through dynamic Magunatip (bamboo dance) and KadazanDusun performances, alongside tastings of local delicacies such as tapai.
The event was officiated by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, who struck a traditional gong and joined other dignitaries in a symbolic rice winnowing ceremony, accompanied by the melodic rhythms of the Kulintangan ensemble.
As Malaysia’s tourism industry continues its strong post-pandemic recovery—with over 38 million international visitors recorded in 2024—events like this reinforce the country’s cultural appeal. The initiative not only honours the Kaamatan Festival’s message of unity and gratitude but also underscores Sabah’s growing role in Malaysia’s tourism resurgence ahead of VM2026.
