By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 1: Craft sales at Sarawak Regatta 2026 are expected to comfortably surpass the RM2 million threshold, driven by a surge in visitor turnout buoyed by a flurry of high-profile international events hosted across Kuching throughout October.
Caretaker Minister for Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah noted that last year’s craft sales reached RM2.4 million, while this year’s final figures were still pending as trading continued until the closing night.
“I think we could reach a similar level this year, possibly exceeding RM2 million in craft sales,” he told reporters after attending the closing ceremony of Regatta Sarawak 2026 at Kuching Waterfront today.
The strong public response was also evident among Sarawak Kitchen vendors, although their overall sales figures had yet to be compiled.
“As for Sarawak Kitchen, I believe it has been very popular.
“We have yet to obtain the sales figures, but one thing I know is that all these sales outlets have received good patronage from the public,” he added.
The turnout coincided with several international gatherings held in Kuching during the same period, bringing visitors from overseas to the city.
Among them was the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly, which involved 109 countries and 1,800 international delegates, alongside an international gathering of the Chawan (Zhao An) ethnic group involving 1,500 participants from around the world.
“Besides the local population who came, there were also many activities involving foreign countries this year,” he noted.
The International Dragon Boat Festival was followed by a cultural festival from Oct 23 to 29, before Regatta Sarawak began on Oct 30 and concluded today.
Participants of the International Dragon Boat Festival also gave positive feedback on the event’s organisation, the range of products available and the hospitality of Sarawakians.
“They were very happy with how well the event was organised, the range of products being sold and, besides that, the friendliness of our people,” he said.
The encouraging response was also reflected in the hospitality sector, with hotels near Kuching Waterfront reporting satisfactory business.
“Feedback from hotels near the waterfront has been very satisfactory. This includes both smaller hotels and larger establishments,” he added.
Beyond the commercial response, this year’s craft exhibition and sales area also featured a revised layout aimed at improving visitor movement.
Abdul Karim explained that vendors were placed along one side of the exhibition tent, while the opposite side was kept open as a passageway, replacing the previous arrangement where stalls occupied both sides. — DayakDaily
