Alor setar: Temasya Orang Kedah (TOK) 2026 is expected to once again emerge as a major tourism draw, targeting hundreds of thousands of visitors from within and outside the country throughout its four-day run from July 30 to Aug 2 at Stadium Darul Aman here.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the cultural tourism festival is a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), the state government, Kedah Tourism, and Nabilah Bahrin Group Sdn Bhd. He highlighted that beyond promoting the state's unique heritage, TOK serves as a key driver of tourism and local economic growth in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, featuring a wide range of programmes centred on arts, culture, heritage, traditional food, and community activities.
The festival will showcase the Fantastic Food Fest by Kak Nab, which will bring together 135 food vendors, including influencers and invited participants, with participation from nine district offices showcasing the heritage food and products of their respective districts. The success of previous editions has proven the festival's significant economic impact, with the 2024 edition recording 523,646 visitors and a return on investment (ROI) of RM4.07 million.
Mohd Salleh added that TOK 2025 performed even better, attracting 544,719 visitors and generating RM8.55 million in revenue, with a PR Value of RM460,731.60. This success has strengthened the state government's confidence that TOK 2026 will continue to excel as one of Kedah's largest cultural tourism festivals.
Among the main highlights of TOK 2026 are Malam Gema Selawat, the official opening ceremony, cultural night, the Fantastic Food Fest by Kak Nab, Cita Rasa Warisan Orang Kedah, a fun run, traditional games, various competitions, and mini pavilions involving government and private agencies. The edition will also introduce several new elements, including Silat Fusion performances, traditional cooking demonstrations by district offices, and a more interactive mini pavilion concept.
The opening ceremony is expected to be officiated by the Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, on July 31 at 8.45 pm.