KUCHING: Tourism projects in Sarawak must adopt a corporate mindset to attract investors and capitalise on market opportunities.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, singled out Borneo Highlands as a strategic tourism asset that could thrive if developed efficiently.
He warned that delays could drive away potential investors and undermine the momentum of the project.
“If there is a tourism product, it needs to be developed fast. You cannot wait. The moment it waits, investors will shift to another place, and there goes your product,” he said when met by reporters during D’Drift 2026 flag-off at the DayakDaily office today.
Abdul Karim noted that Kuching currently lacks a hill resort, and Borneo Highlands is ideally situated just half an hour from the city, with the local market alone capable of sustaining weekend demand.
Families could easily alternate between seaside and highland retreats, while high-end travellers could also be accommodated.
He criticised the slow progress of the agency tasked with development, saying that legal issues cited as reasons for delay had been resolved up to the Federal Court.
“The Federal Court has already decided that the land is ours. Agencies should focus on development rather than using legal technicalities as excuses,” he said.
Abdul Karim also urged authorities to adopt a private-sector approach in managing tourism projects.
“Think like corporate people if you want to move fast. Investors will not wait indefinitely.
“If you delay, the opportunity may be gone,” he said, adding that Sarawak should consider broader tourism initiatives, including golf tourism in Borneo Highlands and other potential destinations such as Sematan.
He highlighted that attracting different market segments, from backpackers to high-end visitors, requires proactive planning and decisive action.
Drawing on examples from Pangkor Laut, Abdul Karim said premium resorts in the region continue to command high rates while attracting international visitors, including artists and business travellers.
