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Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia recorded 10.6 million international visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, a 5.4 per cent increase from 10.1 million in the corresponding period last year, as Tourism Malaysia intensified promotions under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

In conjunction with the Kaamatan celebration, Tourism Malaysia welcomed domestic and international visitors at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on May 30 through a special reception programme attended by Tourism Malaysia Director-General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim and tourism industry stakeholders.

Arriving passengers were greeted with cultural performances, festive decorations, interactive activities, souvenirs and traditional local delicacies, while Sabah cultural groups showcased traditional music and dances to provide visitors with an authentic cultural experience.

The annual Kaamatan celebration, which honours the rice spirit Bambaazon and symbolises gratitude, unity and cultural pride among Sabah’s indigenous communities, forms part of Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen cultural tourism ahead of VM2026.

The celebration also coincided with an eight-day Mega Fam programme from May 29 to June 5 involving 15 influencers and media representatives from Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia to promote Malaysia’s cultural diversity and tourism offerings.