06/02/2026

FRIDAY | FEB 6, 2026

21

LYFE

The baggage drop area at the Lego installation.

From left: The Lego Group general manager of Singapore, Malaysia and Apac travel retail Nina Patricia Da Costa, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani and senior general manager, commercial services Hani Ezra Hussin and Valiram Group executive director Datuk Sharan Valiram at the Lego Let’s Go Malaysia launch event.

is a celebration of Malaysia’s rich heritage and identity, brought to life through the creativity of Lego bricks. By presenting miniature brick versions of iconic Malaysian landmarks, the campaign allows tourists and locals to admire the architecture and meanings behind these famous buildings, fostering a deeper connection to the nation’s unique character. For travellers, small travel-related and landmark-themed experience. Whether you are passing through for a flight or visiting specifically to explore this creative installation, the Lego Let’s Go Malaysia 2026 campaign promises unforgettable moments for the whole family. Expressing Malaysia in colourful bricks o Immersive Lego experience brings creativity, play to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Lego sets offer a great way to pass the time on long-haul flights – turning moments in the air into hands-on fun inspired by Malaysia. Through this collaboration, the Lego Group positions Malaysia as the ideal travel destination for international and domestic travellers, while inviting adults with a passion for travel to start their Lego play journey and be inspired by Malaysia’s spirit and diversity. Visit Lego Let’s Go Malaysia 2026 experience Until June 30, visit KLIA Terminal 1 and immerse yourself in the mini airport within an airport

T HE Lego Group in collaboration with Malaysia Airports has unveiled its Let’s Go Malaysia 2026 campaign, inviting travellers on a creative journey to discover Malaysia’s rich heritage through bricks. This campaign transforms Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 into an immersive Lego wonderland until June 30, celebrating Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Warm welcome Whether you are a Malaysian returning home or an international visitor touching down in Malaysia for the first time, the Lego Group and Malaysia Airports extend a heartfelt welcome through this one-of-a-kind Lego experience. The mini airport within an airport concept is designed to make every traveller feel at home, offering a playful first impression of Malaysia’s warmth, creativity and rich cultural tapestry. The installation celebrates the landmarks and

heritage that make this country uniquely Malaysian, while inviting international visitors to fall in love with Malaysia – one brick at a time. From local delicacies to iconic landmarks and multicultural unity, the campaign encourages everyone to be part of the journey and build Malaysia together in the most imaginative way. Through Valiram, the official retail partner for this event, the Lego Group offers Lego sets suited for travelling, such as the 40817 Lego Yellow Travel Suitcase and 31160 Aircraft: Race Plane – perfect companions for journeys near and far. Alongside these are compact, creative builds such as 10474 Creative Vehicles and 31376 Cute Hamster with Flower, which are designed for easy, on-the-go fun wherever your travels take you. Celebrating Malaysia through creative play The Let’s Go Malaysia 2026 campaign goes beyond just a visual spectacle, it

Cruise industry players explore Sabah’s tourism potential as ship calls grow

SABAH has strong potential to further develop as a cruise tourism destination, particularly amid growing interest from international cruise operators. This was conveyed to Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai during a luncheon meeting with cruise industry players recently. The meeting followed a site visit by cruise players, including from SATS-Creuers Cruise Services, Singapore Tourism Board and international cruise liners to explore tourism offerings in the state capital. SATS-Creuers Cruise Services CEO Gregory Tan said cruise operators are constantly seeking suitable day excursion attractions for passengers, noting that Mari-Mari Cultural Village and Kinabalu Park remain a popular option among cruise visitors. “Cruise ships typically arrive early in the morning and depart by sunset. As such, it is important to have a wider range of accessible attractions within the city and suburbs to enhance the overall passenger experience,” he said. Meanwhile, Marella Cruises head of marine and operations Joel Christopher Hipple said Sabah has the potential to attract more cruise ships, noting that port infrastructure, particularly berth depth, is an important consideration for

From left: Hipple, Tan and Joniston.

especially for short-stay and day visitors, by leveraging cruise ship arrivals,” he said. He was also briefed on Suria Capital Holdings Bhd’s efforts to bring more cruise ships to Sabah, with 25 cruise ship calls confirmed this year, bringing in close to 30,000 passengers. In 2025, Sabah recorded 23 cruise ship calls with 24,634 passengers, comprising 19 ships calling at Kota Kinabalu Port and four at Sandakan Port – nearly double compared with 2024, which saw 14 ships and 16,727 passengers. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sabah recorded a total of 30 cruise ship calls in 2019, with 36,183 passengers.

cruise deployment. He said Kota Kinabalu Port has a depth of nine metres, while Sandakan Port is about seven metres deep, with certain areas affected by sandbanks. Nevertheless, Sandakan was highlighted as a strong nature-based destination, offering readily available and easily accessible attractions for cruise passengers. Joniston said STB welcomes initiatives that bring in visitors and generate tourism spending spillover, particularly for the local economy and surrounding communities. “Collaboration between STB and cruise industry players can be further strengthened to better understand how we can jointly promote cruise tourism and Sabah in general,

Explore the mini airport within an airport experience, featuring stations that reflect real-life airport settings such as this customs checkpoint.