Kuala lumpur: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) recorded over 8,000 tourist arrivals within two hours on the first day of the Chinese New Year (CNY), said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tiong shared that KLIA saw approximately 6,500 arrivals at Terminal 1 and 1,500 at Terminal 2. The overall figure for the first two days is yet to be finalized as officials await the official data. The minister noted that the strong visitor numbers resulted in high hotel occupancy rates nationwide, with many hotels in major destinations like Kuala Lumpur being fully booked for the festive period.

In a statement from Sepang, Tourism Malaysia reported that on the first day of CNY, February 17, the country's main entry point experienced a significant influx of arrivals. A total of 32 flights brought 8,840 passengers between 7:00 am and 10:30 am at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2. This rise in arrivals highlights the growing momentum of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, which is being actively promoted.

Regarding tourism development in Sarawak, Tiong mentioned that the ministry plans to enhance collaboration with the state government and Tourism Sarawak. Engagement sessions with Sarawak are scheduled after Hari Raya. Additionally, Tourism Malaysia has been directed to intensify promotional efforts to boost travel across all states nationwide.