KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will continue supporting contemporary music festivals as part of its tourism strategy, but organisers must work closely with enforcement agencies to ensure such events are conducted safely and responsibly.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said Sarawak had become increasingly recognised for hosting music festivals catering to different audiences, making proper coordination more important than ever.
“We have to coordinate and organise them properly so that no untoward incidents happen,” he said during a press conference for the Borderland Music Festival today.
Abdul Karim said the ministry was committed to supporting festivals featuring different genres, from traditional and ethnic music to electronic dance music, provided organisers upheld high standards of safety and event management.
“It is the responsibility of the ministry to make sure all genres of music are looked into. But it must be managed properly.
“We do not want to see incidents which can lead to the organiser as well as the ministry being seen as promoting something undesirable,” he said.
Addressing concerns over drug-related activities often associated with large-scale music events, he said the government would strengthen cooperation with enforcement agencies rather than deny young people opportunities to enjoy the music they love.
“We cannot, just because of the negativity in an event, discredit it. We have to see it from a bigger, holistic overview.
“It is the role of everyone, whether the organiser, the ministry, the agency issuing the permit or the enforcement authorities, to play their part so that it will be brought to the minimum,” he said.
He said discussions had already been held with the police, immigration authorities, and other agencies on measures including increased monitoring, plainclothes officers, and canine units to deter drug-related activities during festivals.
He also praised the organisers, describing them as young entrepreneurs contributing to Sarawak’s growing creative economy.
“I love to see all these youngsters coming up with this kind of event. We have to encourage them.
“We do not want to curtail all those efforts by them to bring this kind of music to those who enjoy it,” he said.
