Choices galore in next month’s MATTA Fair

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian travellers looking to stretch their ringgit will be spoilt for choice in the 44th edition of the MATTA Fair next month.

With 1,296 booths spread over seven halls at the Putra World Trade Centre from Sept 8 to 10, Malaysians will be able to grab the best deals to suit their budget.

Despite the challenging economic climate, MATTA statistics showed that the 43rd edition in March attracted 103,621 visitors.

And Malaysians’ strong wanderlust is not likely to wane.

MATTA deputy president Mohd Akil Mohd Yusof said they were optimistic that the upcoming fair would continue to draw in the crowds.

He also called on visitors to check out Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for this fair, Sarawak, with over 100 packages offered at 11 booths under the Sarawak Tourism Board’s “Sara­wak Je” campaign.

“Be it a leisurely self-drive holiday or energetic rainforest kayaking and adventure caving, the Land of the Hornbills has it all.

“It’s a big state. Even if you have been to it, go again,” he said.

He noted that besides its fa­­mous Gunung Mulu National Park, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Batang Rejang and longhouses, Sarawak also boasts more than 27 sub-ethnic groups with their unique cultures and traditional cuisines.

Sarawak’s other culinary delights include laksa, kolo mee, ayam pansuh and mi sua.

Flights from the peninsula to Sarawak are available over 30 times a day, from airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo.

AirAsia started its Langkawi-Kuching route with four weekly flights yesterday. Admission to the 44th MATTA Fair is RM4 per person but free for children aged below 12.