THE fuel price hike will not affect the annual Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival which kicks off on Friday, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Datuk Othman Said. This is because the sale will mean big savings for the people.
Malaysians are also expected to shop as two major festival celebrations - Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali - fall in October. The sale carnival ends on September 1.
"We are confident it will be a success because tourists will also be taking advantage of the sales. They enjoy shopping in Malaysia because we offer a variety of products, including local handicraft and antiques in Malacca.
According to surveys conducted by UN World Tourism Organisation, Malaysia takes second place in Asia and 13th in the world in terms of tourist arrivals.
Last year, some 20.9 million tourists visited Malaysia and spent RM46.09 billion, with some 25 per cent spent on shopping, which is the biggest preoccupation for inbound tourists.
Organised by the Tourism Ministry, Tourism Malaysia and the Shopping Malaysian Secretariat, the carnival will be launched in a brand-new style with staggered launch sessions at various malls in four major shopping precincts in Klang Valley, including the Bukit Bintang area.
This Friday, sale carnival launch events are happening from 9am to 10.45pm at various venues. Azalina will officiate at the finale in Jalan Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur.
Shoppers can expect themed sale promotions, shopping contests, redemption programmes, carnivals, late night sales and entertainment shows.
As official card for the event, MasterCard has a Shop, Eat and Rejuvenate With Mastercard programme, offering RM100,000 in cash prizes.
Tourists can also sign up for a special Mega Sale Carnival package which brings them to key shopping locations in Kuala Lumpur.
Some 100,000 copies of the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival tourist privilege cards will be distributed at hotels, shopping malls and the KL International Airport. The card entitles the bearer to discounts and special offers at various retail outlets.
