07/02/2026

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SATURDAY | FEB 7, 2026

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Shanghai-KK direct flights relaunched

o Move part of efforts to boost tourism activities and P2P exchanges between Sabah and China for VM2026

Festival aims to kickstart rural tourism programmes, since such activities are only focused on urban areas in central Malacca. “We want to get out of the cocoon by taking these tourism programmes to areas in the districts of Jasin and Alor Gajah, thus opening up economic opportunities to the local community, and to ensure a fairer distribution of visitors.” He also said events such as the Food and Drift Festival 2026 in Pulau Melaka this weekend could have a positive impact on local traders. – Bernama “Operating three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the route offers enhanced connectivity and convenient travel options for passengers from Eastern China. “This new service connecting Hefei and Malaysia forms part of China Eastern Airlines’ strategic expansion of its international network. “The introduction of this route further enhances Malaysia–China air connectivity, in line with the VM2026 campaign,” it said. “As the gateway to Mount Kinabalu and several Unesco-recognised sites, Sabah presents immersive nature-based experiences ranging from lush rainforests to vibrant coral reefs, appealing strongly to China’s growing eco-tourism and adventure travel segments.” He also pointed out that the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park further enhances Sabah’s appeal, offering snorkelling and diving experiences that are particularly popular among young, social media-savvy travellers. “This accessibility is reinforced by Sabah’s expanding network of direct international air services, which will play an important part to further promote the state’s tourism offerings.” Tourism Malaysia said at present, Sabah enjoys direct scheduled flights from several Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing, Kunming, Ningbo, Fuzhou and Shantou. As of January this year, Malaysia enjoys good accessibility from China, with approximately 730 weekly flights, offering a total capacity of 144,333 seats and direct connections from 31 cities across China. Tourism Malaysia also said on Wednesday that the first direct air link from Hefei to Kuala Lumpur was launched.

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: In recognising China as one of Malaysia’s key source markets, Tourism Malaysia has relaunched its Spring Airlines flights from Shanghai to Kota Kinabalu. Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said the relaunch of the direct daily service is not only to facilitate leisure travel but also to strengthen tourism activities, promotions and people-to-people exchanges between Sabah and China, especially for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). “Enhanced air connectivity to the country is a primary driver of success and growth of VM 2026. This direct daily service serves a crucial role as China remains one of Malaysia’s major source markets. Last year, we recorded visitor arrivals of close to 4.7 million, which represents a 25.1% year-on-year increase. “Aligned with the objectives of VM2026, the resumption of this route represents a strategic step in boosting inbound arrivals and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers,” he said. “Through continued cooperation with industry partners such as Spring Airlines, Malaysia is well-positioned to increase

The move aligns with efforts to attract Chinese visitors, particularly following the implementation of visa-free entry for such travellers. – BERNAMAPIC

Saturday of every month, offering selected tourism product tickets for as low as RM10. “Previously, we introduced promotional tickets priced at RM10 for the programme, but we are offering free entrance for visitors who come decked in traditional outfits, in accordance with the stipulated criteria and guidelines. “This initiative will be implemented at several selected tourism locations, including the Melaka River Cruise, Taming Sari Tower and several museums that are directly involved.” Nasrul added that the inaugural Pantai Siring Chinese visitors, particularly following the implementation of visa-free entry for Chinese citizens.” Spring Airlines Flight 9C8593 arrived at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 1.30am on Jan 28 and was welcomed by Tourism Malaysia official Haryanty Abu Bakar and representatives from Spring Airlines, Sabah Tourism Board and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad. Mohd Amirul Rizal said: “Supported by direct flights from major cities such as Shanghai, the city of Kota Kinabalu offers an accessible and time-efficient option for short holidays and family travel.

international visitor numbers and achieve the ambitious targets set under VM2026. Mohd Amirul Rizal said the Spring Airlines flights are expected to significantly strengthen air connectivity between Malaysia and Shanghai, one of China’s major economic hubs. “This daily direct service marks an important milestone in enhancing international access to Sabah and is expected to further stimulate visitor arrivals from China to the Land Below the Wind. “This air link serves as a direct bridge for discovery between Malaysia and one of China’s most vital economic zones, and aligns with Malaysia’s strategic efforts to attract more

220 events planned for Visit Melaka Year 2.0 MALACCA: The Malacca government is drawing up 220 tourism events throughout the year in conjunction with the Visit Melaka Year 2.0 and Visit Malaysia 2026 campaigns. the state this year. “A total of 220 tourism events, implemented from early this year until December, are expected to be holistically and strategically formulated to help achieve that target,” he said. “This includes cultural, community,

Its Tourism Promotion Division general manager Nasrul Ahmad said the move aims to strengthen the state’s position as a premier tourism destination by showcasing its cultural uniqueness and diversity. “Our tourism activity calendar includes 18 main events to strengthen the tourism sector and achieve the target of 19 million visitors to

environmental, sports, agricultural and entertainment tourism activities that are seen as being capable of attracting visitors to Malacca. Nasrul said the initiative also includes continuing the “Bila Larut Malam” programme, which is in its third year, to be held on the first

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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