Abdul Karim (third from right) and his wife Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar (second from right) with distinguished guests during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by his ministry at a hotel in Kuching on Mar 29.

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, Mar 29: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has prompted Sarawak to reassess its reliance on the United States and western powers, with the State exploring closer engagement with eastern nations, according to State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“All this while, we have been looking up to the United States and western powers, but now the world is seeing things differently,” he told reporters during his ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at a hotel here today.

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Abdul Karim said the State had already taken concrete steps to reflect this shift by pausing a ministry programme that is normally held annually in the United States.

“This decision was made in response to the situation in the region. We felt it was necessary to pause activities in the US for now,” he said.

Turning to local matters, he emphasised that Sarawak’s tourism sector remains strong, supported by domestic travel, which continues to sustain the industry despite global uncertainties and rising fuel prices.

Abdul Karim encouraged the public to adjust their travel plans without affecting the industry, suggesting options such as reducing overseas trips or choosing domestic destinations instead. — DayakDaily