By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, April 13: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is making its physical comeback after a two year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, because of safety precautions and standard operating procedures, only 5,000 tickets will be sold per day.
“With the country now entering the endemic phase, we will make sure the physical concert adheres the to guidelines of Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to ensure the safety of the physical concert-goers.
“Therefore we are limiting physical audience to a maximum of 5,000 per day. Apart from physical attendance, RWMF’s Silver Jubilee will also take on a hybrid format from June 17 to 19 at the Sarawak Cultural Village,” Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said at a press conference after launching RWMF 2022 today.
Labeled as the most awaited international music festival in Malaysia, this year’s event will also celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary since it started in 1998 with the theme ‘25th Legendary Rainforest Celebration’.
From its humble beginnings in 1998 with only 300 spectators, Abdul Karim proudly shared how Sarawak’s homegrown RWMF has come this far, with some 8,000 spectators per day back in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic began.
“Now, RWMF is also the one of the first hybrid festivals of its kind in Malaysia. Concert-goers who miss the feel of the physical concert can come together in mutual appreciation of world music, and those around the world can enjoy world music live from the comfort of their own homes.
“The convergence of conventional and digital concept of music festivals is an indication of the seamless transition into the digital age we live in today. With the objective of bringing people back together, this year’s festival is one of the first international hybrid musical events in Malaysia after the reopening of our borders,” Abdul Karim said.
Viewers can livestream the concert from their homes as well via an online platform which will be launched at a later date.
Among those who attended the launch were Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor, MASWings chief operating officer who is representing Malaysia Aviation Group Capt Nasaruddin A Bakar and Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee.
Meanwhile, as other countries borders may remained close or imposed strict exit restriction, he hoped that international performers who’ve confirmed their attendance will be able to make it.
International performers from Canada, India, USA, Finland, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, China, Bhutan and South Korea are expected to showcase their music at RWMF 2022.
Music lovers can purchase early bird tickets for the physical concert from April 18 onwards.
These tickets are available in different categories: Adult 1-Day Pass (RM150), Adult 3-Day Pass (RM375), Child 1-Day Pass (RM80), Child 3-Day Pass (RM155) and 1-Day Family Package Pass for two adults and two children (RM 400).
Tickets for the virtual show priced at RM25 can also be bought via rwmf.net. — DayakDaily
