Sarawak readies 300 events as State, federal tourism ministries join forces for Visit Malaysia 2026

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By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Feb 18: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) is teaming up with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to boost Sarawak tourism amid Visit Malaysia 2026, promoting the State on the global stage while more than 300 events are set to draw visitors across Sarawak this year.

MTCP Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the 305 events held last year demonstrated the ministry’s commitment to bringing tourism activity to every corner of Sarawak.

“These events are not concentrated only in major towns. They extend deep into rural areas, such as Pesta Nukenen, Irau Aco Lun Bawang, and many others across the State,” he said.

“These programmes create excitement and open up destinations that many Sarawakians themselves have yet to visit, such as Mulu, Bario, and Lun Bawang. We are very encouraged by this momentum. For 2026, we expect to reach around the same figure, if not more,” he told reporters during D’Drift 2026 flagging-off ceremony at DayakDaily’s office today.

Abdul Karim added that the ministry is committed to ensuring tourism growth reaches every community, benefiting local residents and small businesses.

“2026 is Visit Malaysia Year, and we will definitely collaborate. This is a national policy, and we will align closely with what Kuala Lumpur and MOTAC are doing to attract as many tourists as possible, not just to Malaysia in general, but to Sarawak specifically,” he said.

He also highlighted MTCP’s proactive efforts to promote Sarawak globally, attending travel marts in London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Singapore, often featuring Sarawak’s own pavilions to complement national tourism campaigns.

Abdul Karim noted that Malaysia’s national target of 43 million tourist arrivals is showing promising results, particularly from China and Southeast Asia, and said Sarawak would continue strengthening its presence in these key markets.

He also pointed out that under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak’s growing revenue reflects strong governance. Yet, he stressed that true progress comes when the wealth benefits the people.

Tourism, Karim explained, supports a wide ecosystem, from roadside kiosks and small traders to hotels, homestays, restaurants, and e-hailing services. He added that industry players, from hotels to artisans, have expressed satisfaction with the ministry’s initiatives.

“MTCP and MOTAC play a crucial role in aligning State and federal initiatives to benefit the grassroots,” he said. — DayakDaily

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