Mustaffa Kamal (seated centre) posing for a group photo with participants and organisers of Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival 2025 in Bandar Seri Alam, Pasir Gudang in Johor.
THIS year’s Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival surpassed expectations by drawing an impressive 650,000 visitors over five days – well beyond the 500,000 target.
Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Mustaffa Kamal Shamsudin was happy with the overwhelming turnout, highlighting the event’s significance to both locals and visitors.
“This festival has proven to be a highly anticipated event, not only for Pasir Gudang folk but also for Johoreans in general.
“The response reflects the event’s strong appeal and growing popularity,” he said when met by StarMetro at the festival’s closing ceremony in Bandar Seri Alam.
Looking ahead, Mustaffa Kamal said Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) would now aim for a 750,000-visitor turnout and rope in participants from 66 countries.
This year saw participation from 44 countries.
“To enhance the event, the festival will be split into two separate editions – the international segment in February and national-level festival in October.
“This strategic move will further cement Pasir Gudang’s reputation on the global map for arts and culture.
“We have also discussed with Tourism Johor to help make next year’s event even more vibrant,” said Mustaffa Kamal.
The festival, he said, would incorporate a “Go Green” theme to encourage the participation of local industries in Pasir Gudang and align with sustainable and environmentally-friendly initiatives.
He also emphasised the importance of measuring not only attendance but also business and retail activity generated during the festival.
“Visitor numbers alone are not enough; we also need to track economic contributions. This is key in justifying future editions of the festival.
“MBPG hopes businesses record their revenue to better assess the overall impact,” he added.
Malaysian Kite Council (MPM) president Datuk A. Rahim Nin said its goal was to attract 66 countries to participate in next year’s festival, in conjunction with the Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign.
“MBPG and MPM are proud of this year’s achievement, exceeding visitor target of 500,000 to reach 650,000 attendees.
“This is a positive sign. We hope to attract even more participants next year,” he said.
Rahim revealed plans to invite new countries to participate in presenting a diverse and unique showcase of kites.
“We see this festival as one of the major contributors to the success of Visit Johor 2026.
“By expanding international participation, we aim to elevate the festival’s global profile,” he said. – By REMAR NORDIN
