Sarawak tourism quotes receipts exceeding RM1 billion a month

KUCHING, 7 Oct: The tourism sector, creative industry and performing arts continue to be among the main drivers of the state economy as the value of tourist spending is recorded at over RM1 billion per month since last year.

Sarawak's Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the spending had a direct impact on local economies, including hotel entrepreneurs, food industry, transportation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as rural communities.

"The result of this tourist presence is not merely going into the state government's accounts, but continues to boost local economy which directly benefits hotel entrepreneurs, food industry, transportation entrepreneurs as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)", he said while addressing the closing ceremony of Sarawak Women of Tomorrow (SWOT) Program 2026 at Damai Lagoon Resort, Hanging out, here, today.

Abdul Karim said his ministry remains committed to reaching the five million tourist arrival target in Sarawak, but the quality aspect of tourism should be given priority over pursuing the number alone.

"We don't want to see Sarawak become like other destinations that are just focused solely on numbers without controlling the environmental and cultural sustainability aspects.

"We want tourists who truly appreciate our unique beauty, ecosystem and culture", he said after the event.

In the meantime, he said WAK Festival (What About Kuching) which is now entering its eighth edition is planned to be expanded to Bintulu next year after its organizers in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

"We want to see this festival as an important space not only for local artists and musicians, but also creative entrepreneurs to showcase their talents.

"In fact, we have long-term aspirations that the festival will one day be able to grow and stand on a par with leading international festivals like Edinburgh Festival in the United Kingdom", he said.

The SWOT 2026 program is organized in conjunction with the fifth anniversary of the Women's Leadership Foundation (WLF) which consistently brings the leadership program to Kuching every year.

The fifth edition of the programme brought together nearly 250 women from across Sarawak to strengthen sustainable leadership, resilience and positive impact in their respective organisations.