Tourism push: Manoharan (fourth from left) at a media briefing for the Star-Lit Street Festival at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Also present are Lee (third from left) and Fernandez (third from right). — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The vibrant Bukit Bintang, Malaysia’s trendiest commercial district, will get even more “happening” with the Bukit Bintang Star-Lit Street Festival.
Held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the festival will take place outside of Plaza Low Yat from Jan 3 noon till midnight with programmes open to the public.
The event will feature a range of visitor-friendly activities that will feature food and beverages, band performances, DJ sets, dances, cultural showcases as well as interactive stage games, prizes and lucky draw.
There will be appearances by artists, performers and creative entrepreneurs, among others.
“The festival is a way for tourists to be part of the programme and not just to visit sites. So, this presents a great opportunity to showcase Malaysian culture.
“We want to entice visitors because Malaysia is like a one-stop centre of all kinds of culture and food,” Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) chairman Datuk Manoharan Periasamy told reporters yesterday.
He said the event was also a way to support talent development while generating economic opportunities.
He also highlighted the suitability of the Bukit Bintang area, which records annual footfall of over 20 million, for the festival.
Manoharan said the event was expected to generate millions of physical and digital impressions that will amplify Malaysia’s tourism messages across global media and social platforms.
Asked how traffic issues would be handled during the festival, Manoharan said they are working with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
However, he noted that disruptions would be minimal as the event will be confined to the inner lanes.
Additionally, he urged festival goers to use the public transport available such as the MRT, Monorail and buses.
Sage Legacy Sdn Bhd director Datuk Richard Lee said the festival would be a public attraction.
“This festival provides excitement for those wanting to visit the city,” he said.
E-Plus Global chief executive officer Andrew Ching said the performers at the event will reflect the multicultural representation of Malaysia.
“We are having acoustic bands to help build the energy and vibe. We will also have contemporary or modern performances to cater to the younger generation,” he added.
Also present at yesterday’s press conference was Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) president Datuk Freddie Fernandez, who urged everyone to come to the two-day fun-filled festival.
The Bukit Bintang Star-Lit Street Festival is organised by Sage Legacy and managed by E-Plus Entertainment Productions (M) Sdn Bhd.
It is supported by redONE Mobile, DBKL, Karyawan, together with Plaza Low Yat (venue partner) as well as Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur City Centre Tourism Association, Kuala Lumpur Society for International Affairs, Corporate Information Travel, Residents’ Representatives Council of Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Orando Holdings and Bukit Bintang Zone.
