FSSSM 2026 Promotes Cultural Tourism For Visit Malaysia 2026
ALOR GAJAH (Melaka, Malaysia), Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Melaka Straits and River Arts Festival (FSSSM 2026), a cultural tourism programme under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), is being held to promote Visit Malaysia 2026.
Malaysia’s National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said the three-day festival at Dataran Pantai Tanjung Bidara, which began Friday, is the ninth cultural tourism programme organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
He said FSSSM 2026 is jointly organised by JKKN, the Melaka state government, Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation (PPSPM) and Alor Gajah Municipal Council (MPAG).
“Festival Seni Selat is Melaka’s signature cultural tourism programme, while a total of 15 cultural tourism programmes have been planned for each state based on their respective signature programmes in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
“All these cultural tourism programmes are being held in stages in each state from February to November to promote the arts and cultural elements of local communities, which are among the attractions for tourists,” he told reporters at Tanjung Bidara here last night.
Mohd Amran was met at the closing ceremony of the Melaka Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) programme and Tanjung Bidara Beach Festival, as well as the launch of FSSSM 2026, officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Also present was MOTAC deputy secretary-general (Management) Datuk S. Surrendren.
Mohd Amran said FSSSM 2026, themed “Mulanya di sini.....Pusat Pertemuan Budaya” (It Begins Here.....A Meeting Place of Cultures), showcases the uniqueness and diversity of arts and culture shaped by cultural exchanges along the Straits of Melaka.
He said the festival also highlights the Straits of Melaka as a major maritime route and historic meeting point of cultures for more than 500 years.
About 40,000 visitors were expected over the three-day festival, held concurrently with the WRUR programme for the Tanjung Bidara state constituency, Tanjung Bidara Beach Festival and Melaka River Festival 2026.
“FSSSM 2026 is expected to serve as a continuous platform to strengthen networks among the arts and cultural community, stimulate tourism activities and elevate the Straits of Melaka as a meeting point of cultures rich in history, heritage and diversity,” he said.
Meanwhile, JKKN, in a statement, said the highlight of FSSSM 2026 was the Tanjung Bidara Cultural Night (MBTB) last night, featuring performances combining historical elements, local wisdom and contemporary entertainment.
The programme included a 1,000-person zapin performance involving arts and cultural non-governmental organisations, an ethnic attire campaign and a People's Entertainment Concert.
Performers included Haziq Rosebi, Wanie Kyrie, Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Datuk Hattan, Yasser Fikri, the JKKN Melaka Arts Group, the JKKN Melaka Weekend Guidance Programme Dance Group, the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) Faculty of Dance, the Melaka Peranakan Chinese Association and Troupe De Do Marina.
Other activities included the Joget X Zapin Challenge, Ratu Kebaya Selat Melaka, Datuk Jamal Abdillah Voice Search, Bintang Irama Selat Melaka competition, banana boat rides, jet-ski activities and a mini fun ride.
JKKN said a knowledge segment was also held through a podcast session providing a platform for sharing knowledge and discussions on arts and culture.
A demonstration and distribution of Melaka steamed nasi lemak was also held to promote Malaysia’s breakfast culture, which UNESCO inscribed in 2024 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
-- BERNAMA
