National Unity Week 2026 Draws Record 284,448 Visitors

KOTA KINABALU, June 17 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Week 2026 celebration, held here from June 11 to 14, set a new attendance record with 284,448 visitors.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the figure was the highest recorded since the national programme was introduced in 2023.

He said the achievement reflected Malaysians’ growing appreciation of the country’s cultural diversity, heritage and unique identities, which underpin national strength and cohesion.

“Given the overwhelming response, the Ministry of National Unity (KPN)will continue to organise the National Unity Week next year as a national platform that brings together people from diverse backgrounds,” he said in a statement today.

Aaron said feedback from visitors showed that three key attractions generated the strongest public interest throughout the four-day event.

They were the Ethnic Village, which showcased the daily lives of Malaysia’s main communities; the Ethnic Houses, which highlighted the distinct heritage of communities such as the Bajau, Melanau, Banjar, Kedayan and Portuguese; and the Negara Bangsa and Raja Kita Exhibition, which successfully sparked young people’s interest in the nation’s history.

On efforts to strengthen national integration, he said unity could not be built through one-off programmes but required sustained, long-term commitment that could be passed down through generations.

As such, he said the ministry would continue creating more opportunities and platforms for Malaysians to interact, foster closer ties and strengthen mutual understanding.

He added that the initiative was in line with the MADANI Government’s aspiration of building a united nation through a shared vision that transcends race, religion and regional boundaries.

“Strengthening unity requires the commitment of all parties, including the government, private sector, civil society organisations and every Malaysian, to build a harmonious future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA