Missing out on Chinese tourist boom

SIBU: Sarawak government is urged to ramp up its efforts to attract more Chinese tourists, particularly in the wake of the visa-free policy, said Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew.

Data from the Federal Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism shows that while 380,000 Chinese tourists visited Malaysia between December 2023 and April 2024, only a small fraction (around 5,000) made their way to Sarawak.

“This is a clear indication that Sarawak’s tourism industry still has a long way to go,” Ling said in a statement today (Oct 13).

“We need to do more to make the state a more attractive destination for Chinese travelers.”

To boost tourism, Ling suggested implementing visitor packages with hotel discounts and other incentives.He also advocated for hosting more large-scale events an

d developing the concert industry to make Sarawak a major entertainment hub in Malaysia.

“However, this requires careful planning and investment in infrastructure,” he added.

Ling stressed the importance of seizing the current surge in Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia.

“If we don’t act now, we may miss this golden opportunity,” he said.

He also highlighted the potential of Sarawak’s “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) programme to attract foreign students.

With a lower threshold compared to Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak could become an international education hub.

“I urge the Sarawak government to prioritise tourism and education as economic drivers, alongside green energy and high-tech sectors,” he added.