KUCHING – Sarawak’s tourism sector has entered a vigorous growth phase in 2025, with tourist spending exceeding RM1 billion each month from January to June, bolstering hopes that the state can hit its five-million visitor target by year’s end.
State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that by mid-2025, the cumulative receipts had already surpassed RM6.16 billion, reflecting robust demand across the hospitality, food, transport, retail, and cultural sectors.
He noted that 2,415,563 tourists visited Sarawak in the first half of the year, placing the state on solid footing to reach the five-million mark.
“From January to June, we consistently exceeded RM1 billion in monthly tourism receipts,” he said during a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding in Kuching.
“These earnings do not just go into government coffers, they flow through hotels, restaurants, transport, craft industries and more.”
Abdul Karim acknowledged that the state has never yet achieved five million tourist arrivals in a single year.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that with an aggressive calendar of international festivals, sporting events, and cultural programmes, the target is still within reach.
He made these remarks while officiating the Lions Club Kuching Dinner, which drew delegates from nations including China, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.
He emphasised that such gatherings not only encourage volunteerism, but also bring economic benefits to local communities and sectors.
Turning to sports, Abdul Karim confirmed that Sarawak is advancing efforts to co-host the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, with Kuching slated to host at least 16 events and host the opening ceremony.
Preparations include major upgrades to key venues. Among planned improvements are enhancements to the Borneo Cricket Ground, the Sarawak Stadium, aquatic centres, shooting ranges, and supporting infrastructure like lighting, drainage, and electronic scoreboards.
“As international-class facilities take shape and partnerships deepen, Sarawak is ready to emerge as a national sports powerhouse,” he asserted.
He also thanked Lions Club International for its community service efforts and assured the state government’s willingness to cooperate in social welfare initiatives.
The minister’s remarks come amid intensifying regional competition for tourism, but also at a moment when Sarawak’s promotional strategy, combining natural and cultural attractions with event tourism, appears to be paying dividends.
With SEA Games infrastructure underway and tourism revenue strong, the remainder of 2025 could prove pivotal for the state’s ambitions.