Maimunah (centre) launching the DBKL Calendar of Events 2026 with Ismadi (left) and Rafidah. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is targeting 30 million inbound tourists to Kuala Lumpur during Visit Malaysia 2026.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said DBKL had lined up 35 major events to showcase Malaysia’s arts, culture and heritage.
“A lot of people visit other states like Sabah, Sarawak and Penang.
“If we reach more than half of the targeted 46 million tourists nationwide, it would be great.”
She said DBKL had launched next year’s event calendar early to allow tourists to preview events that would take place throughout the year.
“This demonstrates DBKL’s commitment, alongside the Tourism Ministry, Tourism Malaysia, the private sector and the community, to strengthen Kuala Lumpur as a tourism hub.
“This aligns with the 4P concept – public-private-people partnership.
“We are also taking momentum from the recent Asean Summit, where the heads of state from Asean countries and beyond came to Malaysia and gathered in Kuala Lumpur,” she said during the press conference for the launch of the DBKL Calendar of Events 2026 at the Mayor’s Courtyard, Jalan Tangsi.
Maimunah said a highlight would be the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival, which would be held at Auditorium Bandaraya, from May 30 to June 6.
“We see the event drawing participants from various countries.
“We can also expect the inauguration of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad’s preservation in January, as well as the I Lite U @ Bukit Bintang Initiative to light up the city,” she said.
Ambassador of Hungary to Malaysia Dr Sandor Sipos, Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Datin Rafidah Idris, DBKL executive director (Socio-economic Development) Ismadi Sakirin and executive director (Management) Nor Azlina Mohd Saad were at the launch.
The launch also featured the VisitKL song and video, marking the first time DBKL had created a tourism-themed song for Visit Malaysia 2026.
Additionally, the new version of the Hop-On Hop-Off (HoHo) Bus, called “Ronda-Ronda Kuala Lumpur” and operated by Elang Wah Sdn Bhd, was also introduced.
This double-decker bus is equipped with a multi-language AI-based smart commentary system capable of providing real-time narration and guidance in more than 20 languages, including Malay, Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, Korean and Spanish.
It also offers high-speed 4G/5G Wi-Fi connectivity.
Elang Wah president Azhar Nadzir said 10 more HoHo buses would be added to the line-up.
“We are currently running 14 buses and we will have an additional six buses this year, with the remaining four to be added to the fleet next year.”
Other key programmes in the city include the KL Street Jam, Santai Seni @ TAR, KL Chamber Concert, KL Park Festival, Kuala Lumpur Theatre Festival, as well as the Merdeka Eve and New Year’s Eve 2027 celebrations.
