By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 30: Sarawak is set to capitalise on the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) platform to elevate its global standing as a premier destination for culture and nature.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew stated that Sarawak would leverage the nationwide campaign to showcase its unique assets, particularly its UNESCO World Heritage sites and diverse historical heritage.
He noted that the global recognition of Niah National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park will continue to provide significant spillover effects, boosting international visibility for the Miri region and Sarawak’s profile in biodiversity protection.
“Through closer collaborations with federal agencies and industry stakeholders, Sarawak aims to strengthen its position as a distinctive, competitive, and preferred tourism destination,” Ting said in his New Year 2026 message today.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ting said Sarawak is set to maintain its momentum in economic restructuring and sectoral transformation.
While he acknowledged that challenges persist, he noted that new opportunities are emerging, particularly within the tourism, creative industries and performing arts sectors.
Ting, who is also the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) secretary-general, emphasised that while tourism remains a vital economic driver, Sarawak’s 2026 trajectory is anchored by a commitment to social safety nets.
Throughout 2025, Ting said that Miri continued to record steady progress, supported by the implementation of various infrastructure and urban improvement projects.
“These developments have further reinforced Miri’s role as a key city and tourism gateway in northern Sarawak while providing a stronger platform for future growth,” he added.
As Piasau assemblyman, Ting remains confident in the medium and long-term development prospects of Miri and its surrounding areas.
“Together with my colleagues in our service team, efforts will continue to focus on securing resources for local development, improving public facilities, and enhancing service delivery for residents,” he said.
He also highlighted the continued rollout of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which provides an RM15,000 allowance to eligible students from low-income households.
This initiative, alongside the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) and the Kenyalang Gold Card, reflects the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration’s “people-first” approach.
“As Sarawak moves into 2026, policies already in place will continue to be strengthened and refined so that development outcomes are more broadly shared,” he added.
On the political front, Ting observed that 2026 would be a significant year with the approaching Sarawak election.
He stressed that political stability and continuity are essential for Sarawak to pursue its goals of economic restructuring and green energy development.
He reaffirmed that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) remains steadfast in safeguarding Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the pursuit of one-third parliamentary representation and autonomy in healthcare and education.
“Gabungan Parti Sarawak will continue to uphold and safeguard Sarawak’s rights and interests in accordance with the Federal Constitution.” — DayakDaily
