The Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) Penang closes today after four days at Sunway Carnival Mall, with 40 exhibitors offering packages and promotions from destinations across the country. The Penang stop is the fourth leg of the nationwide SKCCM 2026 roadshow, according to The Star.
Star Media Group organises the carnival with Tourism Malaysia to push domestic travel. It runs on the theme “Explore. Experience. Excite.” and backs Tourism Malaysia’s “Destinasi Indah, Harga Rahmah” initiative, bringing together travel agencies, hotels, resorts, attractions and experience providers.
The tour opened at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya on 24 June and covers Pahang, Johor, Sabah, Penang, Selangor and Sarawak, Tourism Malaysia said.
Tourism Malaysia domestic and events division senior director Mohd Roslan Abdullah said SKCCM 2026 has passed its RM1 million sales target, clearing the mark at the third stop in Sabah. He expects the six-stop tour to draw more than 200,000 visitors. He added that the carnival supports the wider travel industry alongside the Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 campaign.
Mohd Roslan was guest of honour at the opening ceremony in Penang. He said the state is the fourth stop of the tour, and that the carnival gives local businesses a platform to reach a wider market.
The Penang leg opened on 24 September and runs until today at Sunway Carnival Mall in Seberang Perai, Wilayah reported. Exhibitors include Antarctic Snow World, The TOP Penang Theme Park, Legoland Malaysia, Aquaria KLCC and KL Hop-On Hop-Off, with hotels such as Dorsett Regency Hotel, Ancasa Hotel and Resorts and Hompton by The Beach Penang.
Star Media Group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said the response at the earlier stops showed the carnival can create openings for businesses and shoppers alike. The carnival floor also carries food, handicrafts and souvenirs, with stage activities, games and travel prize draws.
Mohd Roslan cited Department of Statistics Malaysia figures showing domestic tourism at 74.7 million visitors in the first quarter of 2026, up 7.2% from 69.7 million a year earlier. The second quarter recorded 76.9 million domestic visitors against 73.8 million in 2025, a 4.2% rise, while the first half of the year reached 151.6 million against 143.7 million, up 5.49%.
Penang accounted for 17.7 million of the 290.1 million domestic visitors nationwide last year. Mohd Roslan said domestic tourism continues to drive local economies and the country’s travel industry. He said SKCCM should encourage Malaysians to discover and value the country’s treasures, in line with the aspiration “Yang Indah Destinasi Kita”.
