Kuching: The Sarawak government has stated its readiness to align the state's tourism development initiatives with the tourism investment zones announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). Sarawak's Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, expressed the state's commitment to studying the new initiatives to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Karim noted that Sarawak already boasts strong tourism products. He mentioned that if the tourism investment zones include areas like Mulu, Niah, the Kuching Delta, and the Rainforest World Music Festival, the state is indirectly aligned with these initiatives, though further discussions are necessary. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and avoiding overlap to strengthen ongoing and future efforts in the tourism sector.
Abdul Karim highlighted Sarawak's encouraging growth in tourism this year, with tourist numbers nearing the five million target and tourism revenue surpassing RM1 billion. This success, he stated, demonstrates the effectiveness of Sarawak's tourism strategy.
In addition to tourism, Abdul Karim, who also serves as Sarawak's Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, addressed efforts to bolster the socioeconomic status of Sarawak's bumiputera. He emphasized the need for these efforts to align with the state's ecosystem to ensure that aid effectively reaches target groups. He referred to the RMK13 initiative aimed at expanding business opportunities through commercial premises, funding assistance, and training programs for entrepreneurs.
Abdul Karim welcomed initiatives to develop entrepreneurs of all ages and noted that the state government has already implemented various entrepreneurship programs under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Earlier, Abdul Karim spoke at the closing ceremony of the Youth EdXchange Programme 2025, emphasizing that young people are vital assets for both the present and future. He praised the program's participants, highlighting their engagement in community immersion, sustainability workshops, and project pitching as evidence of their potential to lead with purpose.
The Youth EdXchange Programme 2025, attended by 60 participants, serves as a platform connecting local and ASEAN youth through environmental education, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration.