SIBU: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), through Tourism Malaysia and its agencies, will organise various cultural tourism programmes and activities for 2025.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, said that MOTAC would also launch a Midnight Sales programme in collaboration with shopping centres.
According to him, this programme will be implemented by shopping centres in every state, and a special food promotion package will also be introduced to showcase and promote Malaysia’s local cuisines at shopping centres and other outlets.
“At the same time, we will continue to promote Sarawak. I am also requesting the cooperation of the Sarawak Tourism Board to assist me in creating more tourism products throughout Sarawak that will attract tourists from ASEAN and Asian countries, the Middle East, Europe, and other countries worldwide.
“The launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 will be held soon to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading global tourism destination. Therefore, we welcome everyone to join us in making this campaign a success,” he said.
He said this in conjunction with the New Year countdown organised by MOTAC as part of the ‘MOTAC Bersama Komuniti @ Sibu Jaya’ programme at the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre in Sibu Jaya on Dec 31.
Meanwhile, regarding the ‘MOTAC Bersama Komuniti @ Sibu Jaya’ programme, Tiong, who is also the Bintulu MP, said the programme, themed “Sibu Carnival: Celebrating 2025 Together”, reflected the unity and harmony of Malaysia’s multicultural society.
“If we do not collaborate, appreciate and respect the diversity of races and religions, we will not be able to achieve societal unity and harmony. In fact, this programme would not have been possible today without those values,” he said.
Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, further highlighted that the Malaysian MADANI government had prioritised the cultural tourism industry as a national focus due to its significant potential to boost the country’s economy and increase people’s income.
This year’s programme, running from Dec 27 to 31, provides great benefits to the Sibu Jaya community.
A variety of programmes and activities have been organised, including food and handicraft sales, cultural performances, singing competitions, fashion showcases and colouring activities in Sibu Jaya.
Also present were Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Datuk Wira Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman.
