Tourists arriving at KL Sentral were greeted with traditional dance and souvenir bags as Malaysia launched its 2026 tourism campaign with enhanced rail connectivity.
KUALA LUMPUR: KL Sentral station came alive with cultural performances today to welcome tourists for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The routine passenger flow was interrupted by vibrant dances, including the Magunatip, a traditional Murut dance from Sabah.
Newly arrived domestic and international passengers were drawn to the rhythmic performances.
Senior officials from Tourism Malaysia and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) greeted Electric Train Service (ETS) passengers with souvenir bags containing VM2026 promotional items.
French tourist Titus, 30, described his ETS journey as an exciting and convenient experience.
“The train was fantastic, very convenient,” he said.
He recommended KTMB increase daily train frequencies to help more people.
“The service was excellent – very clean, professional, and the team was very nice,” Titus added.
He and his friends plan to explore Malaysia’s cultural attractions, local food, and scenic locations.
Their trip began with a three-day stay in Singapore before taking the train from Johor Bahru.
Tourism Malaysia Human Resources Division director Muhamad Nasir Pahmi said his team would strengthen collaboration with KTMB.
He highlighted the partnership’s role in promoting attractive domestic tourism packages through transportation.
The government is implementing various initiatives through e-Tourism Malaysia to boost the sector.
These include grants like Galakan Melancong Malaysia (Gamelan) and support for the craft and tourism sectors.
Muhamad Nasir said the grants assist local industry players in enhancing promotional and product development activities for VM2026.
KTMB chief operating officer Afzar Zakariya said the company expects passenger numbers to rise following the addition of four ETS trains on the southern sector.
The new trains serve the KL Sentral–JB Sentral–KL Sentral route.
He anticipates increased passenger numbers with improved ETS connectivity from Johor Bahru to key cities.
These cities include Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Butterworth and Padang Besar.
“This increase is expected to continue throughout the year in conjunction with VM2026,” Afzar said.
KL Sentral serves as the stop for 42 ETS trains daily, making it the perfect location to launch the campaign.
Tourist welcoming ceremonies were also held at several other locations.
These included Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang and Terminal Bersepadu Selatan.
Other venues were Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar, Kedah, and Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, Perak.
