When tourists in Malaysia ‘balik kampung’ too...

Tourists have been visiting Malaysia to join celebrations including Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Kato Kenji arrived in Malaysia for work about a month ago.

While the 45-year-old Japanese executive’s busy schedule kept him from indulging in local events and attractions, he was nevertheless amazed when he caught glimpses of cultural shows during the recent Chinese New Year celebrations.

He said: “I’ve seen many colourful celebrations. It is not that Japan does not have any of them. But here, you see people of different races coming together and wishing each other well.”

And of course, Mr Kenji is particularly interested in the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is expected to take place this coming week. He has already booked a homestay spot in Sepang, Selangor.

“This is the first time I will be taking part in an Islamic celebration. This is also the first time for me to know that the date of some events is determined by the moon,” Mr Kenji said, referring to the official practice of sighting the new crescent moon to mark either the start or the end of Ramadan, the latter giving way to the month of Syawal.

Mr Kenji is among the visitors that Tourism Malaysia hopes to welcome for the festive seasons during Visit Malaysia 2026.