By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak is allocating RM103.7 million in development expenditure and RM186 million in operational funding and event grants in 2027 to boost tourism, preserve its heritage and grow its creative industries.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the allocations will support tourism promotion, major infrastructure projects, local arts and crafts, heritage conservation and the development of Sarawak as a regional broadcast and creative content hub.
“Of the development expenditure, RM70 million is allocated to transform the historic Old DUS Building into a State Performing Arts Centre, while RM5 million will go towards redeveloping the MBKS Swimming Pool into a Water Fun Park and UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Centre,” he said when tabling the Supply Bill (2027), 2026, or Sarawak Budget 2027, at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.
Other tourism infrastructure projects include RM3.3 million for Sadong Jaya Mangrove Tourism, RM3 million for the Bau Gold Mine Museum and Park, and RM3 million for the construction of the Sarawak Crafts Centre.
The remaining allocation will support the rejuvenation and rebranding of Kuching Waterfront and the transformation of Brooke Dockyard into an Industrial Heritage Museum.
“To attract more visitors, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will receive RM45 million in operational funding to implement its EDGE Strategy, which targets 5.1 million visitor arrivals and RM14 billion in tourism receipts in 2027.
“Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) will receive RM39 million for operational support and bidding grants to secure international business events, while Majlis Seni Sarawak will be allocated RM14 million to advance the performing arts and the Sarawak Craft Council RM8 million to support local artisans and commercialise indigenous crafts,” he added.
The State government will also continue supporting AirBorneo to strengthen its operational capacity, expand domestic and international routes and increase seat capacity, with STB working alongside the airline to promote Sarawak as the “Gateway to Borneo”.
Sarawak will also undertake a Cruise Tourism Development Masterplan study and establish an inter-agency task force to coordinate cruise tourism across ocean, coastal and inland river routes.
In the media sector, RM70 million is allocated to complete Sarawak Media Group’s office and studio facilities for the International Broadcast Centre, alongside RM60 million for Sarawak Media Network Initiatives under the Digital Economy framework.
Meanwhile, RM9.8 million is provided under the Heritage Collection Programme for museum infrastructure and curatorial work, including RM8.8 million for permanent exhibition design and installation at the historic Sarawak Old Museum Building.
“A further RM8 million is allocated to restore and upgrade four historic forts: Fort Hose in Marudi, Fort Lily in Betong, Fort Emma in Kanowit and Fort Brooke in Julau, with RM2 million allocated to each fort,” he said.
Another RM500,000 will be provided to commence Phase One of the Sarawak Arts Gallery to support local visual artists. —DayakDaily
