Kuala perlis: The two-day Perlis Squid Jigging Festival 2026, which began yesterday, has shown significant potential to become a new tourism product for the state and is set to be continued annually, thereby strengthening the tourism sector in Perlis. This was highlighted by Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah, who emphasized the festival's role as the opening event for the Perlis Tourism Event Calendar 2026, aligning with the Visit Perlis Year 2024-2026 initiative.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the festival, held for the first time, attracted nearly 100 participants and included the involvement of over 50 fishing boats. The event offered the public a unique opportunity to engage in squid catching activities, a rarity in the state. Abu Bakar Hamzah shared these insights with reporters after officially closing the festival in Kuala Perlis today.

Abu Bakar further explained that the festival was not just a recreational activity but also a platform to highlight the heritage of coastal life, celebrate the fishing community's culture, and showcase the natural beauty of Perlis to a broader audience. He acknowledged some limitations in the inaugural event, particularly in promotion, but noted the positive response received. He expressed optimism for improvements that would ensure the festival's growth as a seasonal tourist attraction.