KUCHING: Sarawak will step up efforts to promote its natural attractions, cultural heritage and biodiversity-rich destinations in 2026, as the state positions tourism, the creative industries and the performing arts as key contributors to economic growth, says Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.
He said the coming year presents new opportunities for Sarawak to strengthen its profile as a distinctive and competitive tourism destination, particularly with 2026 designated as Visit Malaysia Year.
“Sarawak will leverage the nationwide campaign to further promote our natural attractions, cultural diversity and historical heritage to international markets through closer collaboration with federal agencies and industry stakeholders,” he said in his New Year 2026 message.
Ting, who is also Piasau assemblyman said iconic nature sites such as Niah National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites, will continue to generate positive spillover effects for the tourism sector, especially in Miri and the northern region.
He said the global recognition not only boosts international visibility, but also strengthens Sarawak’s role in heritage conservation, biodiversity protection, archaeological research and sustainable tourism development.
Throughout 2025, he said Miri continued to register steady progress driven by infrastructure upgrades and urban improvement projects, reinforcing its position as a key tourism gateway city.
“As the Piasau assemblyman, I remain confident in the medium- and long-term prospects of Miri and its surrounding areas. Our service team will continue to secure development resources, improve public facilities and enhance service delivery for residents,” he said.
While tourism remains a priority, Ting said Sarawak also advances into 2026 with a strong economic foundation under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led administration, supported by prudent fiscal management and people-centred development programmes, including free tertiary education for eligible students and various social assistance initiatives.
He added that political stability and unity would be crucial as Sarawak moves toward the next state election, noting that continuity in development depends on strong public support and shared responsibility among the people.
“As a component party of Gabungan Parti Sarawak, the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) will continue to work closely with PBB, PRS and PDP, playing its role within the political mainstream while supporting policies that promote stability, unity, inclusiveness and sustainable development,” said Ting, who is also SUPP’s secretary-general.
Ting also reaffirmed GPS’s commitment to safeguarding Sarawak’s rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“As Sarawak bids farewell to 2025 and welcomes 2026, I remain committed to serving the people and working with my team towards a better future for Sarawak and for Miri. We wish all Sarawakians good health, peace, happiness, success and prosperity in 2026,” he said.
