BUKIT KAYU HITAM: In a bid to significantly increase tourist arrivals, Kedah has announced plans to host more than 150 tourism events throughout 2025 as part of the Visit Kedah Year (TMK 2025) campaign. The state is aiming to attract six million tourists during the year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor expressed confidence that the planned events would help the state meet its ambitious target. The state government has published a promotional booklet highlighting various attractions in Kedah, which has been distributed to tourism operators nationwide. Additionally, Kedah is working with Tourism Malaysia to promote the state on an international scale.

During a reception at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex, Sanusi noted that tourists from Thailand are expected to be a key contributor to the visitor numbers due to the geographical proximity of the two regions. Although no specific targets have been set for tourists coming from Thailand, the Kedah state government is planning to collaborate with Thai industry players to attract more visitors.

Sanusi also mentioned intentions to forge partnerships with southern Thailand authorities across various sectors, with a particular focus on tourism. He highlighted potential joint ventures in the halal food industry as part of efforts to bolster tourism ties between the two regions.