By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 22: Despite a slight increase in ticket prices for the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024, attendees opting for the three-day pass can look forward to receiving sustainable gifts valued at over RM1,000.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah considers the less than 20 per cent increase in ticket prices “reasonable”.
“If you compare these prices to tickets for events like the Taylor Swift concert in Singapore or even last year’s Borneo Sonic Music Festival featuring K-pop stars, where the front-row tickets exceeded RM1,000, the three-day ticket to RWMF is priced at only RM635 (for adults).
“This averages out to a bit over RM200 per day which I believe is quite reasonable. I don’t think you can attend a music festival at this price including the jazz festival,” he said during a press conference after launching the RWMF 2024 themed ‘Evolution’ at a hotel here today.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officers (CEO) Datu Sharzede Salleh Askor urged the public to keep an eye on the ticket sales countdown, which is likely to kick-off in mid-April.
“People can also purchase tickets at early-bird pricing when sales open. There will be a surprise for those who buy the three-day tickets. We will announce the date of sales in due time,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, STB chairman Dato Dennis Ngau, permanent secretary to the Ministry Datu Sherrina Hussaini and Hemisphere Corporation Sdn Bhd CEO Mark Ferguson were among those present.
Ticket options for RWMF 2024 range from the coveted three-day pass priced at RM635 for adults, granting access to the entire weekend of festivities, to the one-day pass for adults offering early bird pricing at RM235, pre-sale at RM283, and on-spot price of RM333.
Children aged 3-12 can join in the excitement with a 1-day pass priced at RM80, while admission is free for children below 3-years-old.
In its 27th edition themed ‘Evolution’ this year, this iconic festival will run from June 29 to 30 at the festival’s home for the last 27 years at Sarawak Cultural Village.
The festival’s lineup boasts a diverse array of 20 acts featuring 68 international musicians from 14 countries across six continents, alongside 63 Malaysian artists.
Among the headlining acts is Grammy and Golden Globe award winner Kitaro, renowned for his groundbreaking electronic-instrumental music, and Dato Zainal Abidin, known for his hit song ‘Hijau’, which has been around for three decades.
Other international acts include Alright Mela Meets Santo (Pakistan/France), Bourbon Lassi (Australia/Malaysia), Imarhan (Algeria/France), Krakatau Ethno (Indonesia), Nini (Taiwan/USA), Rizal Hadi and Folk (Indonesia), Rhythm Rebels featuring Selonding Bali Aga (Indonesia), and Tribal Tide (Singapore).
Attendees to RWMF 2024 will also be entertained by other Malaysian acts such as Belle Sisoski, The Borneo Collective, Alena Murang, Nisa Addina and Tuni Sundatang from East Malaysia, as well as Adrian G, Salammusik, The Colour of Sound’s Malaysia and Zarul @OurBodySound from West Malaysia.
For more information and ticket bookings, visit the official Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 website at www.rwmf.net. — DayakDaily
