KUCHING: Sarawak has recorded 2.4 million visitors as of June this year, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He pointed out the state is targeting 5 million visitors this year, and is looking at targeting 500,000 visitors a month from July until the year end.
“So, if we manage to break that 5 million figure by December 31st, that would be the first time we are able to have 5 million visitors because last year was 4.8 million.
“I’m very confident that this year we should be able to get it,” he said at the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival 2025 calendar reveal press conference held here yesterday (Aug 13).
He also revealed as for tourism receipt from Jan until June this year, the state has recorded more than RM 1 billion tourism receipts every month.
“Well, many people will be asking, those who are not familiar, where are the money? Where are the tourism receipts? Tourism receipts are things that fizzle down through the hotels, the restaurants, the transport, the craft industry, it goes into the industry.
“And when it goes into the industry, there are lots of people who will be very happy. Now you don’t really get that kind of complaint.
“And it looks like things are moving very well. It’s not just in Kuching, it’s all over the place. Whether it’s in Sibu, Miri, or Kapit,” he added.
Regarding WAK, Abdul Karim stressed that the festival is among the factors contributing to the growth of the state’s tourism industry, citing popular and successful local talents such as Amir Jahari, Alena Murang, Matthew Ngau, Edric Ong, and At Adau, who have all participated in WAK.
He also said WAK serves as a special month whereby a lot of local collaborators and youth talents are looking forward to.
The WAK Festival 2025 enters its 7th edition and will run from October 1st until 31st.
