KUALA LUMPUR - Tourism Malaysia welcomed domestic and international visitors at Kuching International Airport on Monday with a Hari Raya Aidilfitri reception.

The event was held in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, The Borneo Post.

Similar receptions were organised simultaneously at major airports across Johor, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perak and Sabah.

Tourism Malaysia board director Synthia Law attended the reception in Kuching.

She greeted arriving passengers at the arrival hall with festive souvenirs and goodie bags.

“It is VM2026 and we want visitors arriving in Sarawak to feel welcomed.

“Today, we are representing Malaysia as ambassadors, especially to non-Malaysians, showcasing our hospitality,” she said.

Law said there were more than 1,000 arrivals recorded yesterday.

These included travellers from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

“This is only the third month of the year, and we typically receive between 100,000 and 200,000 domestic and international visitors, especially during the festive season.

“Based on last year’s report, this is our estimated average number of visitors to Sarawak,” she added.

She added that ongoing global conflicts have not affected tourism in Sarawak.

However, she noted that international transit traffic in Kuala Lumpur may have been slightly impacted.

Passengers arriving on AirAsia flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore were treated to cultural performances.

The performances were presented by a local dance troupe showcasing Sarawak’s heritage.

The flights included services MH2520 and AK5232 from Kuala Lumpur and AK1776 from Singapore.

The airport receptions form part of Tourism Malaysia’s broader strategy under the VM2026 campaign.

The initiative aims to enhance visitor experience upon arrival and strengthen Malaysia’s destination branding.

It also promotes the country as a culturally rich and safe destination throughout the year.

Also present at the event were Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts head of events Tracy Evon.

Sarawak Tourism Board senior director Maurice Balang also attended.

Business Events Sarawak acting chief executive officer Jason Tan and Tourism Malaysia package development director Zuraini Abdul Ghani were present as well.