CERITA MALAYSIA KITA HIGHLIGHTS CULTURAL NARRATIVES IN SUPPORT OF VM2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- 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.

“This year is an important year as we approach Visit Malaysia 2026, and we feel it is important for us to work together with MOTAC to promote and tell positive stories about Malaysia,” he said when appearing as a guest at the Bernama Mobile Studio broadcast segment in conjunction with the launch at Sunway Lagoon, Petaling Jaya, yesterday.

Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon yesterday, ‘Cerita Malaysia Kita’ is an effort to unite various government agencies and the private sector to promote the Malaysia brand globally in a more integrated manner.

The launch also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Partnership (MoP) between Sunway Lagoon, Tourism Malaysia and corporate partners to support the Sunway Tiny Toys initiative and the Malaysia Attraction Passport (MAP) programme in line with VM2026.

Celebrating Malaysia's heritage with authentic, memorable collectables, Sunway Tiny Toys reimagines the nation's infrastructure and institutions, much like the Shinkansen for Japan or the Great Wall for China, to form the narrative of a young nation.

Partners for Sunway Tiny Toys include 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, Ho said the MAP programme involves strategic partners comprising iconic local brands such as Aquaria KLCC, Petrosains and Farm Fresh, with the aim of attracting more parties to join the initiative in the future.

“Tourists can purchase the passport, and it is very easy to visit all the attractions offered within at least a day,” he said.

He also described the launch of ‘Cerita Malaysia Kita’ by the Prime Minister as a great honour, and viewed the support of the government leadership as a catalyst for the success of the initiative.

In addition, Ho said the role of theme parks as among the country’s main attractions in supporting the VM2026 agenda, as well as close cooperation among all tourism industry players, is crucial in attracting a steady flow of foreign tourists.

“I believe tourism is not something that belongs to just one party. All attractions, all hotels and all tourism-related places must come together and show that Malaysia is united,” he said.

-- BERNAMA