Tourism Malaysia is expanding its “Jom Ke Sarawak” programme to Johor as part of efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s visibility ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the move would also capitalise on the presence of Singapore travel industry players in the southern region.
“Tourism Malaysia is also promoting Sarawak in Kuala Lumpur through collaboration with a hotel, highlighting the unique cultural charm of Pesta Nukenen, Bario,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today (May 19).
Abdul Karim said Sarawak continued strengthening its tourism industry through collaboration with the federal government and international partners.
He said the federal government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), approved the upgrading and redevelopment of Taman Jubli Bukit Aup in Sibu under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with an allocation of RM11 million.
MOTAC also allocated RM1.2 million this year for three tourism upgrading projects under the Program Pemulihan, Pemuliharaan, Ubahsuai dan Naik Taraf (PPUN).
“The projects involve upgrading flood-adaptive tourism infrastructure and interpretive facilities at Maludam National Park, upgrading the observation tower at Miri Public Park, and repair works on the bridge and pedestrian walkway at Homestay Patrick Libau in Sungai Tangap, Niah,” he explained.
Abdul Karim said Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation Sarawak Branch continued playing an active role in developing the state’s craft industry, recording total sales of RM6.18 million as of April this year.
He added that the National Department for Culture and Arts of Sarawak (Sarawak JKKN) also contributed to promoting the state’s creative industry through programmes such as Sarawak-level Festival Gendang Sarawak and Festival Teater Malaysia 2026.
As of 2025, Abdul Karim said the Sarawak Homestay Programme implemented by MOTAC recorded 74 registered clusters involving 960 operators and 1,991 rooms.
“The programme generated RM9.2 million in income, while homestay operators recorded RM2.4 million in earnings in the first quarter of 2026,” he added.
