Passengers welcomed with lion dance, yee sang at Sibu Airport for VM2026

SIBU (Feb 17): Festive cheer greeted travellers at Sibu Airport as passengers arriving for the Lunar New Year season were welcomed with a colourful celebration in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The event kicked off with a flight from Kuala Lumpur, which landed at 11:40 am, where passengers were handed mandarin oranges and official VM2026 souvenirs.

A lively lion dance performance added to the excitement, with travellers pausing to watch and take photos.

Those on hand to welcome the passengers included Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, Sibu Division Resident Office officer Safidi Tumboh, and officers from the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).

The airport reception formed part of Tourism Malaysia’s nationwide Lunar New Year greetings at major entry points, showcasing Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage.

Similar celebrations were held at the Kuching International Airport, Bintulu Airport, and Miri Airport, reflecting Sarawak’s unified support for the VM2026 campaign.

Passengers also witnessed a traditional yee sang tossing ceremony, symbolising unity and prosperity, while the VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, delighted families as they interacted and posed for photos.

Tourism Malaysia in a statement said these festive airport engagements are part of its ongoing efforts under VM2026 to strengthen Malaysia’s destination branding, highlight the country as safe, welcoming, and culturally vibrant, and promote long-term sustainable growth for the national tourism sector.