Petaling jaya: The 'Cerita Malaysia Kita' initiative in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) showcases Malaysia's classic identity as a symbol of the nation's uniqueness and heritage, with Sunway Theme Parks playing the role of the programme's main host. Sunway Theme Parks chief executive officer Calvin Ho said the initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), aims to promote Malaysian stories and culture to international tourists through an experience-based approach.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this year is pivotal as Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026. Calvin Ho expressed the importance of collaborating with MOTAC to highlight positive narratives about Malaysia. The 'Cerita Malaysia Kita' was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon, as part of a broader effort to unite various government agencies and the private sector in promoting Malaysia globally.
The launch witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Partnership (MoP) between Sunway Lagoon, Tourism Malaysia, and corporate partners to support initiatives like Sunway Tiny Toys and the Malaysia Attraction Passport (MAP) programme, aligning with VM2026 goals. Sunway Tiny Toys aims to celebrate Malaysia's heritage by creating authentic, memorable collectibles that represent the nation's infrastructure and institutions.
Partners involved in the Sunway Tiny Toys initiative include notable names such as Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB), Pos Malaysia, Mamee-Double Decker, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (PROTON), Eraman Malaysia, Oriental Kopi, SUPER GT Malaysia, Toyest Holdings Limited, and The Weststar Group. Meanwhile, the MAP programme enlists strategic partners like Aquaria KLCC, Petrosains, and Farm Fresh, aiming to attract more participants in the future.
Calvin Ho highlighted that tourists can easily explore multiple attractions in a single day by purchasing the passport. He also regarded the Prime Minister's involvement in launching the initiative as a significant honor, viewing government support as a catalyst for its success.
Additionally, Ho emphasized the role of theme parks as key attractions in supporting the VM2026 agenda. He stressed the importance of collective efforts among tourism industry players to maintain a steady influx of foreign tourists. "Tourism is not the domain of a single entity. All attractions, hotels, and tourism-related venues must unite to showcase Malaysia's unity," he stated.