By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 4: Sarawak has recorded a strong tourism performance with 3.2 million visitor arrivals generating over RM8.1 billion in tourism receipts from January to August this year.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the data is provided by the Immigration Department, which tracks every entry into Sarawak whether from Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Brunei.
“These are figures I cannot pluck from thin air. From the presence of these visitors, monthly tourism receipts have consistently crossed RM1 billion, something that has never happened before,” he said during the opening ceremony of Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre here today.
With the robust inflow, Abdul Karim noted that hotels and homestays in Sarawak have not voiced any complaints.
“Everybody is happy. From January to August, total tourism receipts stood at RM8,185,036,694.83 or RM8.1 billion,” he added.
He emphasised that the tourism industry delivers direct benefits to the people.
“The biggest gainers from the RM8 billion are the rakyat. It does not go into the government’s pocket.
“Government revenue comes from oil and gas and other sectors managed by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. But in tourism, it goes straight to the people,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
