Cats, poetry reimagine Malaysia’s tourism storytelling journey

As Malaysia prepares to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, an unconventional literary work is quietly reshaping how destinations are experienced, remembered and emotionally understood. A Book of Poems: The Meowgical Tails of Malaysia, launched in December 2025, has sold close to 500 copies, signalling strong public appetite for a fresh and imaginative approach to travel storytelling.

Blending poetry, place and personality through the eyes of cats, the publication departs sharply from conventional guidebooks or destination features. Instead, it offers a literary journey that captures the spirit, warmth and rhythm of Malaysia through verse, visual charm and gentle humour.

A genre-defying approach to travel narratives

Widely regarded as the first book of its kind in the world, The Meowgical Tails of Malaysia pioneers a genre-defying format that fuses feline-led storytelling, whimsical poetry and immersive destination narratives. Each poem invites readers to feel a place rather than merely observe it, revealing culture through mood, memory and imagination.

The book is led by the B.A.M. Trio — Basyirah, Ashqar and Muezza — the author’s three cats who serve as unlikely yet endearing narrators. Through their paw-printed perspectives, readers are guided across all 13 states and three Federal Territories, from bustling cities and night markets to ancient rainforests, rivers, coastlines, heritage towns and festive celebrations.

Rather than listing attractions, the poems explore the humour, humanity and lived experiences that define Malaysia’s diverse communities, offering a layered and emotionally resonant portrayal of the nation.

Cultural support and tourism alignment

The initiative has garnered institutional backing, with support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts and Tourism Pahang. The collaboration reflects a growing recognition that tourism today must go beyond physical attractions to foster meaning, memory and emotional connection.

Through evocative verse and visual artistry, the book aligns closely with the aspirations of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, positioning Malaysia not merely as a destination to visit, but as a civilisation to be felt, heard and remembered.

“This book was never about cats alone,” said author Prof. Hj. Mohd Said Bani C.M. Din. “It is about how we experience places – with curiosity, gentleness and wonder. Through poetry and paws, Malaysia is revealed not as a checklist of destinations, but as a living, breathing story.”

Growing interest ahead of 2026

Designed to captivate children, engage adults and inspire travellers, the publication celebrates unity in diversity, discovery through imagination and the enduring bond between humans and their feline companions, while championing Malaysia’s cultural richness.

Its recent launch in Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, drew more than 100 guests, including media representatives, creatives and feline enthusiasts, underscoring rising interest in culturally driven tourism narratives as Malaysia steps onto the global stage.

As the country looks ahead to 2026, this pioneering work stands as a testament to the power of storytelling — proving that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin not with footsteps, but with paw prints.