By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 26: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) has risen from a small gathering of about 300 attendees nearly three decades ago into one of the world’s top music festivals—now ranked eighth globally.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the transformation reflects Sarawak’s success in positioning its cultural heritage as a major global tourism attraction.
“When it first started 28 years ago, there were only about 300 patrons. Can you imagine the performers playing to just that number? But today, it has grown into something recognised worldwide.
“When we go to tourism marts in Berlin or London, the moment we say we are from Sarawak, they say Rainforest World Music Festival. They don’t even ask about the minister—they immediately mention the festival,” he said when speaking at a press conference at the festival grounds in Sarawak Cultural Village today.
The festival was ranked no.8 in the Top 10 category at the Transglobal World Music Chart — Festival Awards 2025.
He noted that RWMF, now in its 29th edition, is heading towards its 30th anniversary next year, further strengthening its global standing.
Karim said the festival’s success is rooted in Sarawak’s unique multicultural landscape, with 34 ethnic groups preserving and celebrating their own traditions.
At the same time, Abdul Karim said the State has full confidence in the agencies responsible for organising the festival, noting that preparations have been running smoothly over the years.
He added that RWMF has also expanded beyond music performances, with the introduction of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) over the past three years.
According to him, the pre-festival programme brings together youth leaders from Southeast Asia to promote environmental awareness and responsibility.
“That is one of the venues where we feel we have a role to play, to share with the younger leaders about the need to preserve, conserve and look after our environment,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the initiative aims to nurture future leaders who are more conscious of sustainability and environmental protection.
He added that RWMF is not solely about entertainment, but also about responsibility towards the planet.
“Each one of them, when they buy the ticket, a portion goes to conservation and replanting of mangroves. So they are also contributing to making sure the planet is a better place,” he said.
He also highlighted on-site sustainability efforts, including the provision of free drinking water stations to reduce plastic waste.
Also present were Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Dato Dennis Ngau, chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor and Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick. — DayakDaily
