Rising global oil prices could affect Sarawak tourism, but won’t dampen RWMF, says Abd Karim

KUCHING (March 13): Rising global oil prices could pose challenges to the tourism sector, including in Sarawak, due to their potential impact on travel costs, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He noted that higher fuel prices may lead to increased airfares, which could in turn affect the movement of international tourists.

“When oil prices go up, the impact extends beyond music events or festivals. It affects the entire tourism industry.

“Tourist arrivals from regions such as Europe, the Middle East and other parts of the world may also be affected,” he told a press conference after launching the 2026 Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) here.

Abdul Karim said global oil prices have reportedly surged to over RM200 per barrel, compared with around RM70 per barrel before conflicts broke out in several regions.

“We are uncertain how long these conflicts will continue. But if the situation persists, it will create a domino effect on many sectors, including the likelihood of higher airfares,” he said.

He also pointed out that rising fuel costs could increase production expenses for various goods, as many industries rely heavily on fuel as an energy source.

Despite these concerns, Abdul Karim remains confident that Sarawak’s flagship international events, such as the RWMF, will continue to attract strong visitor interest.

The state is targeting more than 20,000 attendees for this year’s festival, which will be held from June 26 to 28.

“We do not want the festival to become excessively large to the point that it compromises the visitor experience.

“What matters most is that festivalgoers feel safe, enjoy the performances, and experience the unique atmosphere of Sarawak,” he said.