By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 3: Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has revealed that 2.6 million tourists entered Sarawak between January and August this year, putting the State on track to meet its target of three million visitors this year.
Abdul Karim shared the figures based on data from the Immigration Department with reporters at a press conference on the Sarawak Regatta today at Bangunan Baitul Makmur II here.
“With the number of tourists expected to arrive in Sarawak this September, I believe we will have around 3 million. Because every month there are about 300,000 to 400,000 visitors coming in.
“By October, the figure will almost certainly be 3 million or higher. And if we can reach 4 million (tourist arrivals) this year, that will be considered a huge achievement,” he said.
He stated that the number of tourists arrivals from January to August this year was 2.6 million, which is a significant increase of 188.9 per cent compared to the 897,903 arrivals recorded during the same period last year.
“Out of the 2.6 million, from January to August this year, foreigners comprised 1.414 million which is a huge jump of 585.53 per cent from the 206,328 recorded in January to August last year.
“In addition, the number of domestic arrivals between January and August of this year was 1.179 million, a 70.57 per cent increase from the 691,575 recorded during the same period last year.
“For tourism receipts, from January to August this year, we recorded RM6.58 billion, compared to RM2.12 billion during the same period last year. This represents growth of 210.38 per cent.”
Abdul Karim also highlighted that in August this year alone, there were 324,173 arrivals recorded which was a 67.09 increase from 194,012 in 2022.
“Foreigners make up 168,822 of this total, a 114.02 per cent increase from 78,880 in 2022.
“The estimation for tourism receipts in August was RM818.34 million compared to August 2022 which was RM467.99 million.
“We can see our tourism industry is picking up well. That is why what we request from the government will always be looked into.
“As far as the State government is concerned, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and other members of the Cabinet can see the importance of the tourism industry.
“Since the Premier himself was once Minister of Tourism, there will be allocations made available for tourism events in the State.”
The Tourism Minister further noted that tourism is an industry which benefits many people.
“There must be a lot of injections, events and all that, to make everybody happy. From homestay operators, stall operators, transport service providers and so on, the community benefits from tourism,” Abdul Karim added. — DayakDaily
