Jazz festival set to drum up visitor arrivals

KUCHING: The Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF) is projected to boost international visitor numbers, contributing to the goal of attracting even more tourists to Sarawak by the end of this year.

According to Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, jazz enthusiasts from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore are expected to play a significant role in reaching its target.

“With a variety of events and festivals scheduled until year-end, we are poised to potentially draw five million tourists to the state,”he said here today (Oct 7).

“As of August, we’ve already welcomed 3.3 million visitors, and the numbers continued to rise in September (figures not yet released).

“With upcoming events like the Borneo Music Festival, we’re optimistic about setting a new record, surpassing the 2019 milestone of 4.6 million tourists,” he added.

He urged the public to support the festival, embrace the charm of jazz, and celebrate the region’s cultural diversity through music.

The Borneo Jazz Festival is scheduled for Nov 29 to Dec 1, under the theme “Jazzy Miri,” at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri.

Performers on the first day include Makaya McCraven from the USA, Rio Sidik (Indonesia), WVC Jazz Ensemble (Malaysia), Gerhana Skacinta (Malaysia), and Ta’Dan (Sarawak).

Day two will feature Sheila Majid (Malaysia), Rio Sidik (Indonesia), The Clarinet Trio (Germany), The Shang Sisters (Malaysia), and Ta’Dan (Sarawak), with Prem Shanker (Malaysia) serving as the host for both days.

Tickets for the festival will be available for purchase via jazzborneo.com, miricouncil.gov.my, and deckworksevents.com.

Early bird ticket sales end on Oct 31, with one-day passes priced at RM80 and two-day passes at RM150, while entry on the third day is free.

From Nov 1, one-day tickets will be sold at RM100, and two-day passes at RM180, with free entry on the third day.

For more details on the Borneo Jazz Festival 2024, visit jazzborneo.com or deckworksevents.com, or subscribe to www.youtube.com/@deckworkstv1053 for updates.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister, Datuk Sebastian Ting and Miri Mayor Adam Yii.