KUCHING: The state has yet to be briefed on the proposed tourism investment zones under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as outlined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah confirmed this when met at the sidelines after officiating the Youth EdXchange Programme 2025 closing ceremony here today (Aug 3).
He noted that the initiative appears to be a federal-level effort and that Sarawak is still in the process of understanding how it will be implemented in the state.
“Honestly, this has been initiated by the federal government. I am still trying to learn and understand where exactly these tourism zones are, at least from Sarawak’s perspective,” he said.
He explained that Sarawak has long been actively promoting areas such as Mulu, Niah Caves, the Rainforest World Music Festival and the Sarawak Delta Geopark as key tourism products without applying zoning concepts.
“If what they mean by tourism zones includes areas we are already marketing, then we are probably on the same page. It is just that we have not been briefed in detail yet,” he added.
Abdul Karim said while the prime minister mentioned Niah Caves as one of the targeted zones, no official briefing has been provided to the state government so far.
“This was only announced two or three days ago. Perhaps officers in my ministry have been briefed, but I have not. It is a small matter for now. Once I am briefed, I will know more,” he said.
Despite the lack of formal communication, he said Sarawak’s tourism performance continues to show strong results, with the state already achieving its five million visitor target this year and monthly tourism receipts exceeding RM1 billion.
“This shows that what we are doing has been successful, and we will continue with our efforts,” he said.
On Anwar’s announcement of initiatives to uplift Bumiputera entrepreneurs through the provision of premises, financing, and training, Abdul Karim expressed support and said Sarawak is open to collaboration.
“I welcome any effort aimed at developing entrepreneurs, whether young entrepreneurs or Bumiputera entrepreneurs, because such initiatives ultimately contribute to the state’s development,” he said.
He added that Sarawak already has its own development programmes under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and that any federal initiatives that align with state plans will be integrated accordingly.
“Whatever can be aligned with our plans in Sarawak, we will coordinate together. It’s not about federal on one side and state on another. Where there is room for alignment, we will work together,” he explained.
