Middle East conflict could affect Sarawak’s 5 mln visitor target, says Abdul Karim

KUCHING (March 12): Sarawak’s target of five million visitor arrivals in 2026 could be affected if tourist numbers begin to decline from the end of this month amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said the situation could potentially disrupt travel patterns, particularly among tourists from Europe and the Middle East.

He said that while Sarawak recorded encouraging visitor arrivals earlier this year, the state government would continue monitoring the trend in the coming months.

“Looking at the January arrivals, that was the best so far. I hope February and March onwards we will still maintain the momentum. We will monitor the trend closely.

“If by March we see the numbers dropping, and in April as well, then it might affect our target of five million visitors this year,” he said.

Abdul Karim told a press conference after officiating at the soft launch of the Borneo Global MediTourism Congress and Expo 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

Responding to a question on whether the current situation had affected Sarawak’s target, he said global developments could lead some travellers from Europe and the Middle East to postpone or cancel trips to the Far East.

“There might be a drop, the way I see it. Tourists from Europe and the Middle East coming into Malaysia may decrease because of the current situation.

“When they cancel their trip to the Far East, it usually takes some time before they plan another visit,” he said.

He added that rising oil prices could also affect airline operations and potentially increase flight costs, which may in turn influence travel demand.

“Even now you are hearing that airlines are increasing fares because of the increase in oil prices.

“This situation may take some time to stabilise, possibly six months to one year. So definitely it will have some effect on us,” he said.

However, Abdul Karim stressed that Sarawak’s tourism industry does not rely solely on visitors from Europe and the Middle East, noting that the state also receives tourists from other regions, including neighbouring countries and domestic travellers.

He emphasised that strengthening tourism promotion in nearby markets and encouraging domestic travel within Sarawak remain important strategies.

However, Abdul Karim stressed that Sarawak’s tourism industry does not rely solely on visitors from Europe and the Middle East, noting that the state also receives tourists from other regions, including neighbouring countries and domestic travellers.

He emphasised that strengthening tourism promotion in nearby markets and encouraging domestic travel within Sarawak remain important strategies.

“Apart from that, our neighbours are also important. That is why marketing and strengthening ties with neighbouring markets are very important.

“Not just neighbouring countries, but also within Sarawak itself. For example, those from Miri travelling to Kuching, and those from Kuching travelling to Miri.

“The spending will circulate within our own economy,” he said.

Abdul Karim also expressed confidence that Sarawak’s tourism agencies would continue driving visitor arrivals through various events organised throughout the year.

He noted that the ministry supported 305 events in 2025 alone, which played a significant role in attracting tourists.

Among the major events set to continue this year are the Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak Regatta and the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race.

“These events have their own distinct followers. We are not worried — we are very confident in what we are doing,” he added.