Padang Besar Festival 2026 promotes heritage, strengthens unity

PADANG BESAR – The Padang Besar Festival 2026 not only highlights the town's uniqueness as a tourism destination but also serves as a platform to promote cultural heritage and boost the local economy.

National Unity Ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abd Hamid said the festival was a meaningful initiative in strengthening community unity by combining tourism, culture, the arts, sports and entrepreneurship.

She said the event proved that close cooperation between government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the community could produce a programme benefiting all levels of society.

"I believe efforts like this can strengthen ties, sow the spirit of unity and nurture pride in our heritage and national identity.

"In line with the Malaysia Madani aspiration, unity is not merely a slogan but must be translated through active community involvement in activities that unite the people regardless of race, religion and background," she said when officiating the festival at Padang Besar Street here yesterday.

Haslina added that such festivals were also the best medium to foster mutual understanding, respect and appreciation of the diversity that is the country's strength.

Also present were state executive councillor Izizam Ibrahim; Perlis Tourism and Recreation Association (Trooper) president and festival director Ku Hasrin Ku Abdul Rahman; PZS Group managing director Zohari Zakaria; and Padang Besar Street director Zohafiz Zohari.

The inaugural programme, organised by the Putra Trail Running Club in collaboration with Padang Besar Street, featured traditional and folk games, arts and cultural performances, running events and various activities involving participants from multiple ethnic communities.

Haslina said she was proud the festival supported efforts to promote Perlis as a high-potential tourism destination, contributing to the success of Visit Perlis Year and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

She said Padang Besar's strategic position as a main gateway on the Malaysia-Thailand border gave it an advantage in attracting more tourists and stimulating local economic growth.

"I hope the Padang Besar Festival will continue to grow into a prestigious annual event and a source of pride for Perlis," she said.