KUANTAN: Local entrepreneurs have seized the chance to leverage their businesses through the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia Carnival at Kuantan City Mall.
The three-day carnival, which will run until tomorrow, showcases various products including food and handicrafts as well as services by travel agencies and hotels that are displayed by 57 exhibitors from all over Malaysia.
Kek Lapis Warisan Sdn Bhd managing director Dr Mohamad Hafeezi Datuk Haji Abdullah, who is one of the exhibitors, said the carnival allowed him to expand his Sarawak layered cake business to Peninsular Malaysia.
“The short shelf life of layered cakes, which is only about five to seven days under room temperature, has made it challenging for us to expand as we can’t package the cakes to be suitable for long-distance delivery.
“The carnival allowed us to bring fresh layered cakes all the way from Sarawak to Kuantan. I hope that visitors from the peninsula can have a taste of our cakes which come in various flavours,” he said in an interview.
For Swaraseni owner Insyirah Iszarizal, the carnival gave her an opportunity to boost her handmade accessories business.
“My business, which started last year, is still growing. This carnival is a great platform for me to expand.
“With Visit Malaysia 2026 coming, I hope that all local businesses, no matter the industry, will see better sales,” she added.
Sumatraa Industries Sdn Bhd supervisor executive Muhammad Fakhri Ahmad, who brought various ready-to-eat food products to the carnival, said:
“We started the company about four years ago by selling our products at night markets.
“The carnival could further support our growth as more and more people discover our brand. It is also a good platform to leverage and preserve our heritage,” he said.
Only World Group Holdings Bhd (OWG) sales and business development director Kenny Wong said he got to promote some of the new attractions under OWG in Genting Highlands, Pahang, at the carnival.
“We will be opening a Jurassic Research Centre, Snow World and Pontianak Ghost House in Genting Highlands Sky Avenue at the end of October.
“This is part of our efforts to penetrate the market in Kuantan. The carnival is a great opportunity to do so,” he said.
Visitors, including foreign tourists, thronged the first day of the carnival co-organised by Star Media Group Bhd and Tourism Malaysia.
Michael Mick, who is a German, said he was drawn in by the carnival as he stepped into Kuantan City Mall with his wife Natallia Smetanina, a Ukrainian.
“Out of curiosity, we decided to walk around the carnival and it truly has a lot to offer. I get to see Malaysia’s cultural diversity and it is really a beautiful experience,” said Mick.
He also promised to visit Malaysia again next year.
“Malaysia is an interesting and beautiful country. The food here is very tasty as well,” he said.
