BIKF puts Malaysia on world map

BINTULU: The Borneo Bintulu International Kite Festival (BIKF) is now one of the main catalysts in driving the tourism sector here, thus supporting the promotion of the “Malaysia Truly Asia” brand on the international stage.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said BIKF not only strengthened Bintulu’s position as a tourist destination, but also introduced Malaysia’s uniqueness to the world.

“The organisation of BIKF contributes directly to the promotion of Malaysia as a multicultural tourism destination, in line with the Malaysia Truly Asia brand which highlights the diversity and harmony of races in our country,” he said.

According to him, the high presence of tourists throughout the organisation of BIKF had a positive impact on various economic sectors in the town, especially the hospitality, food, and service industries.

“Last year, more than 200,000 visitors attended the festival, causing all hotel rooms to be fully booked with an occupancy rate of over 75 per cent.

Muhammad Yakup presents Iskandar (third right) with a souvenir in the form of a ‘garden kite’ handmade by an Australian kite enthusiast.

Iskandar sews kites to symbolically declare open the 17th Borneo Bintulu International Kite Festival (BIKF).

“This festival is an economic booster for Bintulu. With the presence of participants from 28 countries and tourists from all over Malaysia, this festival has put Bintulu on the international tourism map,” he added.

Abdul Karim, who was represented by Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, said this during the opening ceremony of the 17th BIKF at the Old Bintulu Airport site, on Friday.

In addition, Abdul Karim said the festival also introduced local culture and arts through Borneo’s products, traditional cuisine and handicrafts, giving tourists a unique experience of Malaysia’s diversity.

The minister added that BIKF not only promotes tourism, but also advances the concept of sustainable tourism.

The BDA 2024-2030 Strategic Plan themed “Low Carbon Industrial Hub 2030” outlines various environmental initiatives, including plastic reduction campaigns and recycling programmes.

“This move is in line with Bintulu’s efforts to become a tourism destination that focuses on environmental sustainability,” he said

In the meantime, he hopes that BIKF will continue to be an annual event that attracts more international tourists, while also contributing to the government’s efforts to promote Malaysia as a culturally rich and environmentally friendly tourist destination.

“Cultural diversity and racial harmony in Malaysia is our advantage, and BIKF is the best platform to showcase this wealth to the world,” he added.

BDA deputy chairman Datuk Haidar Khan Asghar Khan, BDA general manager Datuk Muhammad Yakup Kari, Bintulu Division Deputy Resident Abang Zainuddin Abang Turkey and Bintulu Port Authority (LPB) general manager Mizool Amir Mat Drus were among those present.