By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Dec 2: Sarawak has recorded a total of 4.01 million visitors from January to October this year, marking a 0.7 per cent increase and generating RM10.22 billion in tourism receipts.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia remained the major contributors among ASEAN countries.
“Brunei Darussalam, with a total of 1,306,566 visitors, made up 32.6 per cent and Indonesia, with a total of 583,568 visitors, constituted 14.5 per cent of the total visitors to Sarawak from January to October this year.
“In addition, China (58,822 visitors), Singapore (52,406 visitors) and the Philippines (39,284 visitors) remained as the other top contributors.
“Meanwhile, domestic tourism continues to be relevant with a total of 1,769,561 visitors from other parts of Malaysia constituting 44.1 per cent of the total visitors,” he noted during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
Abdul Karim expressed confidence that visitor numbers will continue to grow in the coming years through broader marketing strategies and targeted promotional efforts carried out across various platforms.
He also highlighted the tourism sector’s significant contribution to Sarawak’s economy, noting that the ministry supported 351 events and festivals this year, ensuring a steady influx of both domestic and international visitors.
“From January to October this year, Sarawak generated a remarkable RM10.22 billion in tourism receipts, an average of more than RM1 billion per month,” he said.
He further noted the success of the 11th Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta 2025, which achieved its largest-ever participation with 2,443 participants from 22 countries.
He also highlighted the 7th ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA), which drew over 300 delegates from across ASEAN, featuring a special appearance by Hong Kong cinema legend Simon Yam, whose visit trended widely on social media.
Among other notable events, Abdul Karim listed several upcoming year-end festivities, including:
- 13th Anniversary Sibu International Bike Week (Dec 5–7)
- Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA) 6.0, Kuching (Dec 6–7)
- Regatta Lingga, Sri Aman (Dec 12–14)
- Konsert Fenomena Samurai SEARCH and XPDC Live in Kuching (Dec 13)
- Sarawak Kenyah Cultural Festival, Miri (Dec 17–20)
- Countdown to 2026, Kuching (Dec 31)
— DayakDaily
