KUCHING – The regional tourism authority has unveiled a targeted ticketing campaign designed to increase domestic attendance at the upcoming Rainforest World Music Festival.
Through a newly introduced promotional drive named “Sia Sitok Renpores – Rindok Ati”, regional residents are being offered exclusive access to discounted single-day entry passes priced at RM235.
This initiative serves as a gesture of appreciation to the local population, seeking to bridge the gap between the international prestige of the event and the communities that host it.
Officials intend for the campaign to foster a deeper sense of communal pride in an annual gathering that has evolved from a regional cultural showcase into a major global phenomenon over the past few decades.
Access to these reduced-rate admissions is strictly regulated to ensure they reach the intended demographic.
Prospective buyers are required to present formal identification bearing the “K” designation, or provide alternative official documentation proving their residency status within the territory, at the time of transaction.
Rather than distributing these special passes through digital channels, organisers have opted for physical sales points to generate grassroots enthusiasm.
The initial phase of this rollout is currently active at the CarlsCrib Harvest Pesta, situated at the Farley Kuching commercial precinct. Operations at this location run throughout the evening hours, concluding on the 24th of May 2026.
A subsequent purchasing window is scheduled to open closer to the festival dates. Planners will establish a dedicated promotional hub within Plaza Merdeka, a prominent shopping centre in the city centre.
This second activation phase will run from the 18th to the 21st of June 2026, offering extended daytime and evening operating hours to accommodate working professionals and families.
The chief executive officer of the state tourism board, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, highlighted that the primary goal of the discount structure is to solidify the emotional connection between the native population and the internationally acclaimed music gathering.
“Rainforest World Music Festival is part of Sarawak’s identity. It is born from our culture, our hospitality, and our rainforest setting, and it continues to carry Sarawak’s name to the world.
Through this special locals-only promotion, we want more Sarawakians to experience the festival for themselves and feel proud that this world-class event belongs to them too,” she stated.
According to the chief executive, deploying physical pop-up booths was a deliberate strategic choice. The method is intended to ensure accessibility while simultaneously building public anticipation in the weeks leading up to the main performances.
“This is a limited-time local appreciation offer, available only at selected locations and during specific promotion periods. We encourage Sarawakians to take this opportunity, bring their friends and families, and be part of the RWMF experience,” she added during the announcement.
Scheduled to unfold between the 26th and 28th of June 2026, the main event will once again take over the expansive grounds of the Sarawak Cultural Village.
The venue, nestled against a stunning backdrop of ancient jungle, provides a highly atmospheric setting for the three-day festivities.
Attendees can anticipate a comprehensive programme featuring musical acts from across the globe, alongside indigenous cultural demonstrations.
The daytime schedule typically includes interactive workshops, artisanal craft markets, and a wide array of regional culinary vendors designed to highlight the diverse heritage of the region.
Residents hoping to secure the RM235 entry passes are strongly advised to visit the specified promotional kiosks during the designated dates, as the allocation is subject to time constraints and strict on-site verification procedures.
