KUCHING: Sarawak’s target of attracting five million visitors this year is within reach following encouraging growth in tourist arrivals and tourism receipts in January 2026 compared to the same period last year.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the strong start to the year signals that Sarawak’s tourism sector is on the right path toward recovering to pre-pandemic levels.
“The total number of visitors recorded in January 2026 was 437,677 compared to 400,531 in January 2025, an increase of 9.27 per cent, or more than 37,000 visitors,” he said at a press conference after launching the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2026 at the Borneo Cultures Museum on Wednesday (Feb 25).
Of the total, international arrivals reached 247,063, up from 233,404 in the same month last year, a 5.85 per cent increase.
Domestic tourism recorded stronger growth, with 190,614 visitors in January 2026 compared to 167,127 in January 2025, a 14.05 per cent increase, or about 23,000 additional visitors.
Abdul Karim said that if the current momentum continues, the five-million visitor target could be achieved ahead of schedule.
“If this momentum can be maintained until November, we may reach the target earlier, possibly before December.”
Tourism receipts also showed positive growth, reflecting the increase in visitor arrivals.
“In January 2026, Sarawak recorded tourism receipts of RM1.115 billion compared to RM1.025 billion in January 2025, an increase of 8.83 per cent, or nearly RM100 million.”
He noted that the growth has benefited multiple sectors, including hospitality, food and beverage, aviation and tourism-related services.
“When visitors come to Sarawak, it is not only hotels that benefit, but also the food industry, airlines and government agencies.”
Brunei remained Sarawak’s top source market in January 2026, with 159,007 visitors, up from 135,428 a year earlier, an increase of 17.41 per cent.
Indonesia recorded 58,355 visitors, down 9.24 per cent from 64,294 in January 2025, while arrivals from China declined to 4,940 from 6,261 previously, a 21.10 per cent drop.
Visitor arrivals from the Philippines rose slightly to 3,838, up 5.41 per cent from 3,641 last year, while Singapore recorded 3,743 visitors, down 24.23 per cent from 4,940 in January 2025.
