By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 21: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will remain a permanent fixture in Sarawak’s tourism calendar, as the State focuses on building more performance venues to support large-scale music and cultural events.
While the festival at Sarawak Cultural Village currently welcomes around 26,000 festivalgoers, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the venue is still well-suited for the event’s format and unique atmosphere.
“Honestly, I’m quite comfortable with that number,” he told reporters during a press conference today at RWMF 2025.
He pointed out that what makes RWMF stand out is not just the music, but the overall cultural showcase, including Sarawakian food, handicrafts and traditional performances.
“That’s what makes this festival unique and very much able to attract a global crowd,” he said.
However, Abdul Karim acknowledged the growing demand for larger and climate-controlled concert venues, particularly for other mega events.
“I would love to have an indoor stadium. That’s why I’m very happy to see BCCK2 already under construction,” he said, referring to the expansion of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, which will accommodate up to 10,000 people.
He added that indoor concerts offer advantages such as better acoustics and air-conditioning, providing a different experience compared to open-air settings.
Apart from Kuching, he said facilities are also being developed in Miri to support major performances and tourism-driven events across the State.
On the festival’s future, Abdul Karim confirmed that RWMF will continue to be held annually, calling it one of Sarawak’s prime tourism products alongside the Sarawak Regatta and International Dragon Boat Festival.
“For the moment, I think we will maintain it that way. We want to create something happening for the locals—whether they are entrepreneurs, performers or musicians—at least there’s a platform for them.
“When people are happy, they will always be with us. That’s the role of my ministry—to make everybody happy,” he emphasised.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini; and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Askor Salleh. – DayakDaily
