Abd Karim: Sarawak’s strategy centres on establishing state as eco-tourism hub

MIRI (July 26): Sarawak’s tourism strategy centres on establishing the state as a premier eco-tourism hub, according to Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the strategy is meant to prioritise unique and responsible experiences, as well as involve sustainable infrastructure development to balance tourism growth with the region’s natural beauty and minimise environmental impact.

“The goal is to encourage tourists to participate in cultural experiences and foster a sense of responsibility and ownership of Sarawak’s natural and cultural heritage,” he said in his address at the launching of Borneo International Festival of Arts (BIFA) at Curtin University Malaysia here today.

His text of speech was read by the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry special administrative officer, Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan, who represented him to officiate at the function.

Organised by Curtin University Malaysia, the three-day BIFA event involved various community stakeholders including Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri, local schools and institutions as well as businesses and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Touching on BIFA, Abdul Karim said the festival aims to attract artists, artisans, performers and art enthusiasts from across the region and internationally, which aligns perfectly with Sarawak’s tourism strategy.

“The ministry did not hesitate to fund the event in a significant way, in hopes that it will become another iconic cultural and tourism event in Miri in time to come.

“Our goal to attract four million tourists to Sarawak in 2024 is central to the strategic vision for the state’s tourism.

“To achieve this ambitious target, culture, adventure, nature, food and music festivals are the attractions that we have been marketing,” he pointed out.

Abdul Karim said BIFA is dedicated to involving and engaging with the local community as well as providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their handcrafted goods, such as the perennial Miri Artisan Market.

The initiative, he added, not only supports local businesses but also allows the community to appreciate and buy unique, locally-made products.

“As we embark on this three-day artistic journey, we look forward to experiencing a rich tapestry of traditional and modern art, mural painting, dance performances, art and photography exhibitions, modern digital art, and interactive workshops.

“Each of these elements showcases the unique cultural identity of Sarawak and the wider region while pushing the boundaries of creativity,” he said further.

Speaking earlier, Curtin Malaysia’s deputy pro vice-chancellor Professor Vincent Lee also said BIFA is not just an arts festival but a celebration of heritage, innovation and collective future.

“Over the next three days, we will witness an extraordinary array of artistic expressions that showcase the unique cultural identity of Sarawak, Borneo and the wider region, including Western Australia, while embracing modern creativity,” he said.

The festival features an impressive variety of activities and exhibitions, including exhibitions by 25 artists from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Thailand, which features a blend of traditional art that reflects our rich cultural heritage and contemporary pieces.

Also present at the festival’s opening ceremony was Miri mayor and Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii; Pemanca Leonard Fong, representing Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting; as well as BIFA organising chair and Curtin Malaysia Community Outreach manager Suwapa Jitman.