KANGAR: Pesta Angin Timur (PAT) Perlis 2026 is targeting more than 300,000 visitors, including domestic and international tourists, over its three-day run beginning Feb 6 at Dataran Kangar Jaya here.
Perlis Mentri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah said the target marks a significant increase from about 50,000 visitors recorded at last year’s edition in Kampung Lat Seribu, Tambun Tulang, Arau, which was affected by flooding.
"PAT 2026 will feature several large-scale new programmes expected to be major attractions, including for international visitors. Among them is the Mega Folding Bicycle Gathering, which will be held in Perlis for the first time, featuring a leisure ride of about 20km around Kangar town while enjoying the state’s scenic landscape.
"So far, more than 200 participants, including those from abroad, have confirmed their participation,” he said in a press conference on PAT Perlis 2026 at the Seri Putra Complex here on Friday (Jan 30).
Abu Bakar said international participation has also increased this year following continuous promotional efforts carried out in collaboration with tourism agencies, including promotions in Thailand to attract more regional tourists.
He said PAT Perlis 2026 has also been listed in the tourism calendar in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 and will serve as one of the opening events for the country’s cultural tourism programme.
"The diversity of arts and culture remains the core of the festival. There will be a drum symphony performance featuring a variety of drums from different races.
"Visitors will also be treated to traditional cultural performances such as makyong, which has a symbolic value for the state’s Royal Institution, as well as various other local and Nusantara heritage performances,” he said.
In addition, PAT Perlis 2026 will also feature recreational and family-oriented activities, including hot air balloons, paramotoring, a classic motorcycle gathering, as well as sales zones offering traditional food, small and medium enterprise (SME) products and local handicrafts.
Abu Bakar said the festival not only highlights Perlis’ culture and heritage but also serves as an important platform to stimulate the local community’s economy and strengthen the state’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination in the northern region.
He added that the event aims to generate over RM5mil in sales through the participation of local entrepreneurs, small traders and tourism industry players.- Bernama
