Kaamatan Celebrations accord Visitors with a Golden Welcome at Kota Kinabalu International Airport

30 May 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism Malaysia marked the arrival of domestic and international visitors with lively Kaamatan celebrations as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The festivities took place at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) today.

The event at KKIA was attended by Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia; Muhamad Nasir Pahmi, Director of Human Resources, Tourism Malaysia; Chong Wai Kit, Director of MOTAC Sabah; and Humphrey Ginibun, Chief Strategy Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board.

Representatives from airlines, local tourism industry players and strategic partners also joined to enliven the occasion.

Arriving visitors were welcomed with warm Malaysian hospitality through cultural performances, festive decorations and interactive reception sessions.

Guests received special souvenirs and were treated to traditional local foods such as bambangan (wild mango) and losun (wild scallion), beloved regional dishes that offered a memorable first taste of Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage.

The celebratory atmosphere was further enhanced by traditional dance and music performances from Sabah cultural troupes, creating an authentic and immersive cultural experience for arriving passengers.

The event was officially launched with a ceremonial struck of the traditional gong by Mohd Amirul.

Kaamatan, held annually in May, is a harvest festival that honours the spirit of the paddy, “Bambaazon,” and symbolises gratitude, unity and cultural pride among Sabah’s indigenous communities.

The initiative supports Tourism Malaysia’s goal to strengthen cultural tourism and enhance visitor experiences in preparation for VM2026.

Meanwhile, Kaamatan celebrations across Sabah will continue on 31 May 2026. In conjunction with the festival, an eight-day Mega Fam programme will take place from 29 May to 5 June 2026, involving 15 influencers and media representatives from Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia, including the Philippines, Vietnam, China, South Korea and India, to promote Malaysia’s vibrant cultural festivities.

The initiative also aims to reinforce Malaysia’s position as a tourism destination rich in cultural diversity and compelling tourism products.

As of March 2026, Malaysia recorded 10.6 million international visitor arrivals, an increase of 5.4 per cent compared with 10.1 million arrivals in the same period in 2025.

This positive performance reflects the strong momentum of Malaysia’s tourism industry under the VM2026 campaign.

Through meaningful celebrations such as Kaamatan and Gawai, Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen the country’s standing as a destination that blends culture, heritage and authentic experiences.

The efforts align with VM2026’s objectives to stimulate tourism growth, encourage repeat visits, promote sustainable tourism development and reinforce the identity of Malaysia’s multicultural society.

The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, or Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC).

The agency is responsible for promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has played a key role in strengthening the nation’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape since its establishment.

Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) emphasises Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

The campaign aims to highlight the country’s varied natural attractions, rich cultural heritage and dynamic tourism products, while driving inclusive growth and long-term benefits for local communities and industry stakeholders.