Home » Malaysia Travel News » Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2025 Successfully Closes in Sabah, Emphasizing the Importance of Supporting Local Businesses and Strengthening Domestic Travel Published on
November 18, 2025The Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) 2025 wrapped up its Sabah edition at Imago Mall in Kota Kinabalu, marking the grand finale of a nationwide campaign designed to highlight domestic tourism. Held from November 14 to 16, this three-day event, organized by Tourism Malaysia and Star Media Group, successfully drew attention to Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity, local tourism businesses, and the importance of community involvement in the nation’s travel sector.A Call for Malaysians to Discover Local WondersThe SKCCM event, themed “Explore. Experience. Excite.”, was crafted to encourage Malaysians to embrace their own country’s beauty. Through curated travel experiences, cultural performances, and exclusive tourism offerings, the carnival promoted the notion of domestic travel and the vast number of local destinations waiting to be explored. In addition to showcasing well-known spots, the event also emphasized hidden gems and unique cultural experiences that are often overlooked by tourists.Advertisement The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture officially launched the event, emphasizing its role in preparing for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). This initiative, he noted, is key to fostering greater domestic travel and instilling a deeper sense of appreciation for the nation’s diversity and local offerings. He highlighted the importance of domestic tourism in both strengthening national pride and stimulating economic activity.Showcasing Local Talent and ProductsThe SKCCM Sabah edition featured 80 exhibitors, ranging from travel agencies, hotels, and homestay providers to artisans and local food vendors. This broad representation of Malaysia’s tourism industry allowed attendees to connect with regional operators and discover new ways to experience the country. In addition to traditional tourism services, visitors were able to engage with Malaysia’s cultural wealth through performances, food, and handicraft displays, creating an immersive experience that celebrated the country’s vibrant heritage.AdvertisementLocal small businesses, particularly those in remote areas, were given a platform to showcase their products and services. The carnival created a space for these businesses to grow by reaching wider audiences, contributing to the overall economic development of Malaysia’s tourism sector. It also reinforced the significance of supporting local tourism operators and entrepreneurs.A Nationwide Celebration of Malaysia’s AttractionsThe SKCCM journeyed across Malaysia between September and November 2025, stopping in various key locations including Pahang, Klang Valley, Sarawak, Penang, Johor, and Sabah. Each stop featured region-specific tourism experiences designed to cater to the unique offerings of those areas. The finale in Sabah captured the essence of Borneo’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and community-driven tourism.Advertisement Over 200,000 visitors attended the carnival nationwide, making it one of the lar …
