Sarawak tourism revenue hits RM1.115 bln as it starts 2026 on a high

KUCHING (Feb 25): Sarawak’s tourism sector is off to a strong start this year, recording higher visitor arrivals and tourism revenue, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

According to the latest figures, Sarawak welcomed 437,677 visitors in January 2026, up from 400,531 in January last year, marking a 9.27 per cent increase.

“International arrivals rose to 247,063, up from 233,404 in January 2025, marking a growth of 5.85 per cent growth.

“Domestic visitors – those coming from Peninsula and Sabah – also recorded an increase with a total of 190,614 arrivals in January this year compared to 167,127 in the same month last year, reflecting a rise of 14.04 per cent,” he told a press conference at Borneo Cultures Museum.

Tourism receipts for January reached RM1.115 billion, compared with RM1.025 billion last year, an 8.83 per cent increase, or just under RM100 million more, he added.

Abdul Karim noted that the growth is expected to benefit related sectors including hotels, food and beverage, transport, and the craft industry.

Despite the positive start, Sarawak will maintain its original target of five million visitors, set in 2019 but disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, he added.

“We will still maintain the five million target. The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is asking can we put it higher, but we have not yet reached it. Once we hit five million, then we will revise it,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and its agencies in driving arrivals through mass sporting events and international competitions such as marathons, the SEA Games, and Malaysia Games (Sukma).

“This is a good indication for January. If we maintain this momentum until November, we will be able to hit five million by November itself,” said Abdul Karim.