KUCHING: Sarawak could gain valuable international tourism exposure in Japan, South Korea, China and Saudi Arabia through Kuching City FC’s participation in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2).
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the club’s historic qualification for the Asian competition would not only elevate Sarawak football but also serve as a major platform to promote Kuching and the state to international audiences.
He noted that ACL2 features some of the top clubs in Asia, including teams from football powerhouses such as Japan, South Korea, China and Saudi Arabia.
“I am also very excited because this is the first time that a football team, whether a state team or a club from Sarawak, is able to go beyond the national tournament. This is in Asia, Asian Champions League Two, but it is still (in) Asia.
“The teams will be the top in China, Korea, Japan and the Middle East. Can you imagine if we are pitted against the club where Cristiano Ronaldo is playing? Then he could be coming over to Kuching,” he told reporters after the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (May 19).
Abdul Karim described the development as a major opportunity for Sarawak’s tourism industry, especially if ACL2 matches are hosted in Kuching.
“If the matches are played here, you will see the teams, the supporters and the publicity surrounding the tournament.
“A lot of people will start asking, ‘Where is this place, Kuching?’ Those involved in promotion know how many millions are usually spent just to market a destination. Here, through football, we are already promoting the state overseas,” he said.
He also praised the management of Kuching City FC for steering the club to unprecedented heights, including qualification for ACL2 and a place in the Malaysia Cup final later this month.
“It is not just one (achievement). One is reaching the Malaysia Cup final, and the other is qualifying for the Asian Champions League. This is the first time we are down here,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that the exposure generated from ACL2 could contribute positively towards Sarawak’s tourism target of five million visitor arrivals this year.
He said the state recorded 4.97 million tourist arrivals last year and expressed confidence that Sarawak would finally surpass the long-awaited five million mark in 2026 despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in parts of the world.
“Once we hit five million, there will be nothing to stop us already,” he said.
