OPENING CEREMONY OF MALAYSIA CULTURE FESTIVAL @ PERAK 2026

IPOH, 27 JUNE 2026 – The Malaysia Culture Festival @ Perak 2026 is being held in a lively atmosphere at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah, Ipoh, from 25 to 28 June 2026, as a key platform to showcase the nation’s diverse arts, culture and heritage to the local communities and visitors from outside. 

The opening ceremony today was officiated by Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Also present at the event was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man, Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah and other distinguished guests. 

In his opening speech, Dato' Seri Saarani said that the organising of the Malaysia Culture Festival is very timely as the country mobilises preparations and promotions for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 

According to him, with over 100 activities arranged throughout the festival, the event not only provides entertainment for the public but also stimulates the local economy through the marketing of entrepreneurs’ products, artworks and local creations. 

"This is an example of how culture can serve as a catalyst for development that directly benefits the people," he said. 

The Malaysia Culture Festival @ Perak 2026 showcases various elements of the nation’s culture and heritage, including artistic performances, cultural exhibitions, community activities and programmes that reflect a Malaysian identity rich in ethnic, traditional and heritage diversity. 

Hosting this festival is seen as strengthening Perak's role as a high-potential cultural tourism destination, besides supporting efforts to the promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the nation's tourism agenda as a whole. 

For the record, in 2025, Perak recorded more than 10.4 million domestic overnight tourists and over 23.6 million domestic visitors overall. 

This achievement demonstrates Perak's appeal as one of the country's major tourism destinations, particularly in the culture, heritage and community segments. 

The festival is expected to continue serving as a catalyst for efforts to empower the cultural tourism sector, boost the local economy and strengthen public appreciation of Malaysia's artistic and heritage treasures.