KUCHING: Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) has surpassed its visitor and sales targets, highlighting the value of strong industry collaboration in promoting domestic tourism.
Organised by Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with Star Media Group (SMG), the carnival is making its final stop at Plaza Merdeka here this weekend, following earlier editions in Pahang, Johor, Sabah, Penang and Selangor.
Tourism Malaysia domestic and events division senior director Mohd Roslan Abdullah said the first five stops drew 240,000 visitors, exceeding the initial target of 200,000, while sales reached RM3.5mil, more than three times the target of RM1mil.
“This demonstrates the value of connecting tourism businesses directly with consumers,” he said.
Roslan said Tourism Malaysia valued its partnership with SMG and looked forward to further promotional initiatives in support of Visit Malaysia 2026-2027.
“By sustaining these efforts, we aim to strengthen domestic travel demand, increase awareness of Malaysia’s destinations and ensure that the benefits of tourism continue to reach local communities and businesses nationwide,” he said at the launch yesterday.
Also present were SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sarawak chapter chairman Dayang Azizah Abang Zaidan, Sarawak Tourism Federation president Audry Wan Ullok and Perbadanan Putrajaya corporate communications director Khalilurrahman Kamaruz-Zaman.
The Sarawak edition features 37 exhibition booths showcasing local travel agencies and tourism businesses, including airlines, online travel platforms, attractions and accommodation providers.
Abang Asnani Abang Kiprawi, supervisor of Akal Homestay and Kampungstay Pusa, said taking part in SKCCM helped introduce the Pusa district to a wider audience.
“This is the second time we are taking part in the carnival, and we look forward to a good response again.
“Hopefully, more people will get to know Pusa and its attractions,” he added.
The district’s highlights include local products such as gula apong (nipah palm sugar) and lemantak (sago flour), as well as the tomb of Dayang Esah Tandang Sari, a legendary figure associated with the Brunei sultanate.
De’Remin Sapit Homestay general manager Sofia Shafina said the carnival was also an effective platform for promoting local tourism products.
“At our homestay, we introduce Bidayuh culture and food to visitors.
“They can enjoy views of the clouds and sunrise from their windows, in line with our tagline ‘Village Above the Clouds’,” she said.
She added that visitors could also go on nature hikes.
Audry said the carnival was timely in encouraging domestic travel during the off-season and ahead of the school holidays.
“Usually, the busy season is from May to September, so holding the event now is good.
“The school holidays are also coming up, so that is the main target now,” she said.
Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association Sarawak chapter chairman Paul Ting welcomed SKCCM as a platform to connect local travellers with the country’s tourism offerings.
“We should have this kind of activity if we want to make Visit Malaysia a success because we should not neglect local tourism.
“For me, it is always fruitful to attend an event like this because you do not often get to see tourism providers such as Cruise Malaysia,” he said.
Visitors to SKCCM can enjoy attractive travel deals, stage games, interactive activities and family-friendly entertainment, with thousands of ringgit worth of travel prizes up for grabs.
The carnival also offers visitors the opportunity to book domestic getaways and browse local products, crafts, souvenirs and merchandise under one roof.
