Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will position Iftar@KL as a signature tourism event for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), highlighting Malaysia’s unique Ramadan traditions to both domestic and international visitors. Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the programme is an important attraction as it showcases the rich variety of Ramadan delicacies and the country’s vibrant festive atmosphere.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khairul Firdaus emphasized that Ramadan and Syawal in Malaysia have a distinct charm compared to other countries. The celebrations are embraced by people of all religions, races, and backgrounds, which reflects the beauty of Malaysia’s cultural diversity and reinforces the country’s image as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination. He spoke about these aspects at the Iftar@KL 2025 press conference held at Dataran Merdeka.
Khairul Firdaus added that MOTAC will work with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to develop a contingency plan to ensure the smooth running of the programme and enhance visitor experience. When asked about potential incentives for social media influencers to promote Malaysia’s Ramadan delicacies and traditions for VMY2026, he mentioned that the proposal would be studied further. He expressed the ministry’s interest in showcasing Malaysian food from Ramadan bazaars on a global platform.
Discussing Iftar@KL 2025, he noted that more than 35,000 visitors participated despite unfavourable weather conditions. The four-day event, organised at Dataran Merdeka on March 15, 16, 22, and 23, aims to enliven the spirit of Ramadan, foster unity and tolerance among communities, and promote Malaysia’s Islamic heritage to tourists. The programme includes mass iftar gatherings, Ramadan talks, food truck offerings, congregational prayers, Tarawih prayers, and donations to asnaf and those in need.
Visitor Nur Annisa Nabila Mohd Norman, 26, described her experience at Iftar@KL 2025 as memorable, noting that even though it rained heavily during iftar, the atmosphere remained vibrant and full of spirit. She expressed hope for the continuation and improvement of the programme in the future.