By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 18: Sarawak is eager to become a hub for mega-sized concerts, but the State currently lacks the infrastructure to host events that draw crowds in the tens of thousands.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the largest existing venues, the open stadium where the Borneo Sonic Music Festival was held, can only accommodate up to 30,000 people at maximum capacity, while the indoor stadium seats between 4,000 to 5,000.
“I would love for Sarawak to host more mega concerts but presently, the State does not have the venue that could cater for a mega crowd,” he said when asked about Sarawak’s potential as a concert destination for international artistes.
He made these remarks during a press conference after officiating the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) in conjunction with the upcoming Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) at Hikmah Exchange today.
Despite current limitations, Abdul Karim highlighted Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to enhance its concert-hosting capabilities, including the construction of the second Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), which will offer a 10,000-seat capacity and is expected to be completed within two years.
He also pointed to Sarawak’s upcoming regional airline, Air Borneo, which is expected to take flight by the end of 2026.
“With our own airline, we could link to more destinations, thus making it easier for us to reach targeted cities and countries to bring in the tourists and visitors when we hold concerts.
“For example, if we host concerts featuring artists from South Korea, we can attract regional fans and drive more arrivals,” he said.
However, Abdul Karim stressed that beyond infrastructure, financial viability is a crucial consideration in organising mega concerts.
“When you have a stadium that can hold 60,000 to 70,000 people, ticket sales alone could help organisers recoup their investment in bringing in top-tier performers. So for now, we need to strike a balance while continuing to improve,” he added.
He assured that Sarawak is steadily progressing towards hosting larger-scale events, with growing interest in concerts and music festivals.
Abdul Karim also emphasised that music events should cater to all demographics, promoting inclusivity and shared joy.
“Music is not just for the youth or women. I would love to see all genres represented and concerts that appeal to all age groups. As long as it makes everyone happy, we would be happy,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister of Entreprenuer Development Datuk Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Dato Dennis Ngau and its chief executive officer (CEO) Sharzede Salleh Askor were among those present. — DayakDaily
