Sibu joins nationwide Visit Malaysia 2026 launch with airport welcoming event

SIBU (Jan 2): Sarawak joined the nationwide launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) with welcoming events held on Thursday, with Sibu selected as one of 55 major entry points and strategic locations across all 13 states.

Other welcoming events in Sarawak were held simultaneously in Kuching and Miri.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man led the welcoming ceremony at Sibu Airport, where passengers arriving from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur were received.

“This morning, we welcome visitors from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the launch of (VM2026).

“So this programme is an initiative that we have organised at 55 major entry points and strategic locations across the country.

“In Sarawak, at airports in Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu, we will witness and welcome visitors from outside (Sarawak),” he told reporters, when met at Sibu Airport.

“In addition, we have several land access points such as Sungai Tujoh, Tedungan, Tebedu, Biawak, and Pandaruan.

“Sarawak plays a crucial role as the primary gateway linking Malaysia to specific markets,” added Chiew.

He added that Visit Malaysia Year 2026 aligns with Malaysia’s aspirations to attract more than 40 million international tourists.

On domestic tourism, Chiew urged Malaysians to continue travelling within the country to help support and boost the tourism sector during the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign year.

“As I understand from Tourism Malaysia, more than 300 programmes have been prepared nationwide under the Visit Malaysia Year calendar to continue stimulating and energising VM2026,” he said.

Responding to a question on funding, Chiew said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has provided various grants to support cultural events, tourism-related activities, handicrafts and community-based programmes.

“The ministry has always encouraged and assisted communities in organising programmes to continue attracting tourists,” he said.

Meanwhile, a press release distributed to reporters stated that Tourism Malaysia ushered in the New Year with a nationwide celebration across major international gateways and transportation hubs, marking the official launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

The release added that Chiew also led welcoming ceremonies in Miri and Sibu, underscoring strong collaboration between the federal and Sarawak governments in positioning East Malaysia as a key pillar of national tourism growth under VM2026.

Among those present were Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture deputy secretary general of tourism Chua Choon Hwa and Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman.