Sarawak govt’s environmental efforts inspire Dato Zainal Abidin to perform at Rainforest World Music Festival

Zainal speaks during the RWMF 2024 press conference at Damai Beach Resort on June 29, 2024.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 29: Sarawak’s dedication to combating climate change has persuaded Malaysian music legend Dato Zainal Abidin to perform at the 27th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

During a press conference at Damai Beach Resort here, the 65-year-old singer told reporters that he has been an environmental activist for quite some time, with his hit single ‘Hijau’ serving as a clarion call for environmental change.

He revealed that the organiser of RWMF had attempted to invite him as a performer for the past 20 years but he had declined as he wished to monitor the development of the environmental impact of the festival.

“I was looking at it and I’m very happy because there is no environmental impact.

“They look after the waste, the recycling efforts and many parts of the environmenta; issues that will occur at the festival,” he said during a press conference held at Damai Beach Resort here today.

Satisfied with the genuine efforts shown by the Sarawak government, Zainal then agreed to perform at this year’s RWMF stating that he aims to play his part to deliver the right message about humanitarian and environmental issues through his music.

He also recorded his appreciation to Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah for their focus on realising the environmental conservation agenda.

“The main reason why (I chose) Sarawak is because Sarawak is so active and focused on minimising their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment; they have hydrogen-powered public transport and they are very concerned about the waste and its development.

“Thus, I’m here to support the government’s project about the environmental issues here in Sarawak. I salute and take my hat off to the Premier because you are so focused on it.

“I also wish to express my full respect to the tourism minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim for being so focused into the tourism industry and its impact on the environment. He’s very concerned about the environment and tourism.

“So this is why I am here today. It’s not so much of showcasing my music, but raising environmental awareness is the most important for me. Congratulations, Sarawak,” he said.

Zainal Abidin will perform as the headliner of the second day of RWMF 2024 tonight.

Other performers included Taiwanese singer Nini, Algerian Tuareg desert rock quintet ‘Imarhan’, Sabahan rock band ‘Tuni Sundatang’ and Sarawakian sape songstress Alena Murang. — DayakDaily