PETALING JAYA: Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh will join Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the national-level launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) at Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang area on Jan 3.
Scheduled for 7.30pm in front of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the I LITE U ceremony will light up the city’s most famous shopping and entertainment district, with the event expected to attract a large turnout of locals and tourists.
The launch event is spearheaded by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, in collaboration with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Federal Territories Department under the Prime Minister’s Department, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Several major roads around Bukit Bintang will be temporarily closed to make way for a grand parade involving 20 contingents, along with live performances by local artistes.
Big event: Yeoh (left) and Nga.
The ceremony will also be broadcast live on national television.
With heavy traffic expected, the public has been advised to use public transport when heading to the area.
The launch is seen as a key curtain-raiser for VM2026, which aims to boost tourist arrivals and tourism spending across the country.
Bukit Bintang was chosen as the venue due to its status as one of Kuala Lumpur’s top attractions.
The public has also been reminded to maintain cleanliness during the event, as Malaysia prepares to welcome more visitors.
Starting Jan 1, 2026, a Community Service Order for littering offences will come into effect, allowing offenders to be fined or ordered to carry out street-cleaning duties.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said Anwar will officiate the ceremony, while Yeoh’s presence reflects strong support for the national tourism campaign.
“Bukit Bintang will shine brightly as Malaysia showcases its diversity, charm and cultural vibrancy to the world. The event will be broadcast live to boost the visibility of VM2026,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Nga added that road closures were necessary to ensure smooth proceedings and urged Malaysians to join the celebrations and use public transport.
“As we prepare for the tourism year, I would like to remind everyone to take care of public cleanliness and the city’s image so visitors feel welcome in Malaysia,” he said, adding that strict action will be taken against littering once the new regulation comes into effect.
