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KUCHING, 6 April 2025 – Sarawak’s tourism industry is experiencing a massive boom as the state recorded over RM1 billion in tourism revenue per month from January to February 2025. This marks the strongest early-year start in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
According to the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, 810,345 tourist arrivals were recorded within the first two months of 2025. In February alone, Sarawak welcomed 409,814 visitors, contributing to the substantial revenue figure.
“We have never achieved this figure before. It clearly shows that Sarawak is becoming a top travel destination,” he said during a recent media briefing.
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Dato Sri Abdul Karim urged the private sector to invest in hotel and accommodation developments, highlighting the need for more rooms over the next five to ten years to meet rising demand.
Safety of Old Buildings in Spotlight
On a different note, the minister also addressed concerns following a partial building collapse in Padungan earlier this morning.
“Luckily, there were no injuries or deaths, but this serves as a warning. Many old buildings may no longer be structurally safe,” he said.
He encouraged local councils to carry out safety audits of older structures, especially in historical parts of cities, to avoid similar incidents.
Kucing Geopark Aiming for UNESCO Global Recognition
Sarawak is also eyeing UNESCO Global Geopark status for the Kucing Geopark. While the official application must be made by the federal government, Dato Sri Abdul Karim said his ministry would fully support the process.
“We will assist in the application even though the key agencies involved are under different ministries,” he said.
Sarawak continues to blend cultural preservation, safety, and tourism growth—making it a rising star in Malaysia’s tourism landscape. — UKAS EDITION