KUCHING:The Sarawak Government is open to the possibility of setting up more tourism offices abroad following a noticeable surge in Japanese tourist arrivals.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, speaking to reporters after the Leo Forum 2025 event today, acknowledged that some Japanese visitors had even expressed a desire to reside long-term in Sarawak, citing its safety, medical facilities and overall quality of life.
However, he noted that while there is interest, the government has not yet reached the stage of opening a dedicated Sarawak tourism office in Japan.
“We’ve already established Trade and Tourism Offices in Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. Another one is being planned in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.
“There is also a proposal to open one in Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Karim said the state government is open to considering new locations if the demand justifies it.
“If there’s a need to open offices in other cities or countries, we can evaluate the potential,” he added.
He also noted that the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme, which allows eligible foreigners to reside in Sarawak on a long-term social visit pass, has been gaining increasing popularity, especially among applicants from China and Europe.
“There’s been a steady increase in applications, especially from retirees who view Sarawak as a safe place with good medical facilities.
“Last year alone, we approved nearly 600 applications under the S-MM2H programme,” he revealed.
Touching on the current economic stagnation in Japan, Abdul Karim said Sarawak is well-positioned to attract Japanese citizens looking for a stable and affordable place to retire or settle.
“We will continue to promote Sarawak in countries like China, Korea and Singapore. Ultimately, it’s up to the applicants to see what Sarawak can offer,” he said.
On the education front, he noted that Sarawak has already become a destination for families seeking English-language education.
“Many Korean families, for example, send their children aged seven or eight to study at Tunku Putra School.
“The parents then apply under the S-MM2H programme to stay here with them,” he added.
