KOTA KINABALU, 16 April 2026: Sabah recorded a strong sales performance at the recent MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur, generating MYR5,098,153.74 turnover at the three-day consumer travel fair.
Sales gained momentum throughout the fair, with Sabah-based sellers recording MYR812,156.32 on the opening day, 3 April, rising to MYR1,425,231.32 on the second day, and peaking at MYR2,860,766.10 on the final day of the show.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin described the strong sales performance as encouraging and said Sabah’s continued participation in major travel fairs will help drive bookings and visitor arrivals to the state.
Compared with the MYR4.5 million recorded at the April 2025 MATTA Fair last year, with 43 agents participating, Jafry said this year’s performance demonstrates the resilience of Sabah’s domestic tourism market even as the industry prepares to navigate evolving travel trends and incoming challenges.
At the April edition of the MATTA Fair, 37 Sabah-based tour and travel agencies were present at 100 booths, offering a wide range of travel packages showcasing the state’s diverse tourism offerings, including culture, adventure, and nature.
STB also introduced and reinforced Explore Sabah destination branding while highlighting the Kaamatan Festival as a key cultural attraction, inviting visitors to experience the month-long harvest celebration across the state in May.
(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)
