THE 28th Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival is set to record its highest international participation, with entries from 56 countries this year.
Pasir Gudang mayor Datin Paduka Hazlina Jalil said the figure surpassed the previous record of 49 participating countries in 2012.
“The upcoming festival will also feature participants from six new countries, namely Algeria, Greece, Uruguay, Hungary, Qatar and Tunisia.
“This year’s festival is especially meaningful as it is being held in conjunction with Visit Johor and Visit Malaysia year, making it one of the main highlights in the national tourism calendar,” Hazlina said at a press conference at Menara Aqabah.
Also present were Johor Kite Association president Hasrin Kamal Hashim and Pasir Gudang City Council chief whip Datuk Mohd Amin Ahmad.
Hazlina said organisers were expecting over 650,000 local and international visitors throughout the five-day event.
The kite festival is taking place from Feb 4 to 8 at Bukit Layang-Layang in Pasir Gudang.
“The Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival continues to serve as an important platform for cultural exchange and international friendship through the art of kite flying.
“The total number of participants this year is estimated at 155, with the majority comprising well-known local kite flyers,” said the mayor.
Hazlina said the strong presence of local participants reflected Malaysia’s influence and expertise in the international kite-flying community.
Malaysian Kite Council president Datuk A. Rahim Nin said the festival would feature various kite-flying categories.
“Among the highlights are the Six Continents Kite Exhibition, the Visit Johor 2026 Pavilion, Malam Mahabbah, Battle of the Band, TikTok Challenge, Food Fiesta and Raya Attire Fiesta.”
Rahim said a motorcycle convoy involving 26 vehicles would promote the festival across all districts in Johor.
“The convoy is aimed at raising awareness and excitement for this annual world-class event.”
Rahim said the festival had become a major event for Johor and Malaysia, as hosting it had contributed to economic spillover beyond the event grounds.
“Hotels, homestays and local eateries around Pasir Gudang and Johor Baru are always busy as thousands of local and foreign visitors turn up for the festival,” Rahim added.
