By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 14: The Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts has allocated a total of RM40.4 million (RM40,448,462) in grants to support 222 local and international tourism events and festivals in 2023.
Its Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said as of May 13 this year, the ministry allocated RM7.5 million (RM7,475,500) to support 57 events and festivals, including the Miri Marathon, Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival, Pesta Sebauh, and Rainforest Youth Summit.
Several iconic events that are scheduled to take place this year in Sarawak are the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 (June 28–30), Pesta Kaul Mukah (July 15–21), 9th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (Sep 27), and Sarawak Regatta (Nov 1–3).
“Since 2021 to date, 20 research grants, totaling RM5.3 million (RM5,320,268.53) were awarded to various learning institutions, universities and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) in Sarawak,” said Abdul Karim in his ministerial winding-up speech in the august House here today.
The completed research, he added, includes ‘Experiential Tourism in Bau: Packaging, Positioning and Promoting Green and Gold Tourism’; ‘Sarawak Indigenous Cuisine: Preserving its Identity and Heritage’; and ‘Planning, Mapping & Research of Sarawak Best Golf Destination’.
On the Facilitation Fund for Heritage, Arts, and Culture, he said 40 programmes and activities have been approved for funding amounting to RM2.4 million (RM2,392,766) from January until April 22 this year.
“With an annual budget of RM10 million allocated to the ministry, this fund represents an important development for creative industry and performing arts’ ecosystem.
“This fund plays a pivotal role in introducing, preserving, and sustaining the arts, culture, and heritage of Sarawak. By supporting a wide range of programs and activities, it aims to ignite interest and create career paths within the creative industry,” he said. — DayakDaily
