Minister: Grand tourism events in Sarawak still on amidst call for prudent spending

KUCHING (March 16): Sarawak would continue to hold major tourism and cultural events at full scale amidst the call for prudent spending, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He stressed that such events should be carried out at their full potential in view of their main objectives of attracting visitors and providing meaningful experiences to the public.

“Why should we do it in a moderate way? You should go full swing,” he said in responding to a question on whether major events in Sarawak would be scaled down following the advisory on prudent spending.

Abdul Karim pointed out that carrying out events halfway or on a minimal scale would defeat their purpose, particularly when they were intended to introduce and promote Sarawak’s culture.

“If it is a food and cultural festival, we organise it so the public can try and taste our food and experience our cultures.

“If it is music festivals like the Rainforest World Music Festival or other musical events, we want the performers to show their best – not halfway or doing it minimally,” he said during a press conference on the ‘Great British Circus’, held at his office here on Monday.

Nevertheless, Abdul Karim said moderation could still be applicable to certain celebrations, such as Hari Raya open-house gatherings.

“For example, if previously there were 10 dishes prepared, they could be reduced to five.

“That is what we mean by moderation.”

With regard to this, Abdul Karim said the Sarawak government had yet to announce whether or not there would be an official state-level open house this year.

“There is a possibility that it might not be held at all.”