Abd Karim: Sarawak hopeful priority given to its tourism sector in Budget 2025

KUCHING (Oct 7): Sarawak is optimistic that the state’s tourism sector will be given priority in the upcoming 2025 Budget to be presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 18.

In expressing this view, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, however, acknowledges the financial constraints faced by the federal government but remains hopeful.

“However, I strongly believe that when it comes to the state budget, it will be well taken care of. But I cannot comment extensively on the federal side.

“When it comes to the federal government, I can only hope. We know that they are also facing some financial issues,” he remarked when asked about his expectations for the upcoming budget presentation during the Borneo Jazz Festival 2024 press conference at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II here today.

On a related matter, he hopes the budget for sports and youth development, along with the tourism and the creative industry, will show improvement compared to the previous year.

Abdul Karim expressed confidence that the Madani government will recognise the importance of Sarawak’s tourism sector, which is a significant contributor to the national economy.

“This is a very important field for developing youth, talents, as well as arts and culture.

“So, the government will definitely look into this. And I certainly hope that the total amount allocated for this development will be larger,” he stated.

Recently, Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, stated that the Madani government will address inflation in the 2025 Budget.

He noted that while the prices of essential goods such as edible oil, petrol and flour are relatively lower in Malaysia compared to regional counterparts, there remains a pressing need to enhance income levels.