By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 1: Sarawak will continue to welcome and support organisers who bring in both local and international artists, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Highlighting the State’s aspiration to host more concerts, he stressed that such events have already generated, and will continue to create, significant economic spin-offs.
“Local and foreign concerts attract visitors from Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Sabah, West Malaysia and beyond. This benefits the tourism sector through hotel bookings, food, transportation and other support services,” he said at the Konsert Fenomena Samurai press conference held today at Riverside Majestic Hotel Astana Wing.
The upcoming rock concert will see two legendary Malaysian bands, XPDC and Search, sharing the stage for the first time in Kuching on Dec 13 at Stadium Sarawak. XPDC’s line-up will feature Izo, Lola, Eddie, Arif and Mamu, while Search will perform with iconic duo Din and Kid.
Abdul Karim praised organisers Seri Simfoni Sdn Bhd and Bintang Batu Event for bringing the country’s rock legends to Sarawak, adding that the show not only allows veteran musicians to continue performing but also opens doors for emerging talent.
“In fact, Sarawak is probably the only State in Malaysia that is generous in providing funding support for organisers. We are prepared to allocate funds to ease their burden. As long as they are willing to come to Sarawak, they can bring in any genre, for young and old, whether musical, theatrical, religious-themed or other performing arts. We are open and inclusive. With financial support, ticket prices can also be kept more affordable,” he said.
“What matters most is that the event succeeds, runs smoothly, benefits the people, and creates motivation and opportunities for those in the music and arts industry,” he added.
Abdul Karim revealed that his ministry has already supported around 200 tourism products and initiatives this year, including festivals, concerts and sporting events, with the figure expected to surpass 300 by year’s end.
He also noted that Sarawak now hosts marathons so frequently that “almost every weekend there is a running event”.
Members of XPDC and Search, who joined Abdul Karim at the press conference, expressed their excitement for their first joint show in Sarawak. They are aiming to draw a full house of about 30,000 fans at Stadium Sarawak.
Concert producer Ikhram Zainuddin promised surprises for the audience, including two exclusive Fender guitars to be given away to lucky fans.
“It has to be a show that shakes the Malaysian music scene, and we are out to achieve that,” he said.
Tickets are priced between RM90 and RM250 and are available at fenomenasamurai.ubertickets.asia. — DayakDaily
