KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will proceed as planned this year and will not be cancelled, despite concerns over prolonged global conflicts, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He urged the public not to panic, stressing that life must go on even amid uncertainties.
“We should not panic. In life, we also need entertainment. Even in times of emergency, there must be arts and culture,” he told a press conference in conjunction with the Ministry’s Hari Raya open house held here today (March 29).
Abdul Karim noted that the annual festival attracts about 20,000 visitors, with more than half comprising locals, underscoring that the event is not solely dependent on international tourists.
“RWMF is not just for tourists, it is also for locals. More than half of the attendees each year are from within the country,” he said.
He added that there is no necessity to cancel the event unless directed by the state government.
“Unless the government orders a full shutdown, no flights, no events, then we will comply. But from our side, we will find ways to overcome any challenges,” he said.
Abdul Karim also expressed confidence that regional visitors would continue to support the festival even if arrivals from Europe decline.
“If Europeans are unable to come, visitors from Indonesia, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei are sufficient to fill the festival grounds,” he said.
While acknowledging that a portion of festivalgoers typically come from Europe, he said current issues in the Middle East have not significantly disrupted travel.
“European tourists are still travelling. They are just adjusting their routes, avoiding certain areas and flying through alternative paths,” he explained.
