SARAWAK is setting its sights on becoming a regional leader in various emerging tourism sub-sectors, with focused initiatives underway to boost health, educational, lake, border, and digital tourism.
According to Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah health tourism has emerged as a strong growth area for Sarawak, backed by its advanced medical infrastructure and natural appeal.
“Sarawak has the potential to become a key player in the Asean health tourism market.
“The Global Market Insight quoted that the Asean medical and wellness tourism market size was valued at USD51.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at 12.7 per cent per annum from 2024 – 2032,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislation Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday (May 27).
Abdul Karim said the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) reported that Sarawak attracted 68,655 health visitors in 2024, a 6.6 per cent increase from the previous year.
“This visitor surge translated into RM141.5 million in revenue, a 13.65 per cent jump from RM124.5 million in 2023,” he said.
“Indonesia was the most significant source market with 52,850 arrivals contributing RM127 million.
“China followed with 3,565 visitors with a revenue of RM3.6 million, Brunei had 3,239 visitors, the Philippines had 1,061 visitors, and India had 808 visitors, which also played notable roles in driving health tourism income,” he said.
Abdul Karim also said that educational tourism is another promising sector for Sarawak.
“Last year, 2,183 international students were recorded studying in Sarawak, a 4.8 per cent increase from the previous year.
“As for this year, 672 new international students have enrolled in Sarawak’s higher learning institutions,” he said.
Additionally, Abdul Karim said that Sarawak’s lakes, both natural and man-made, are being positioned as the next frontier for tourism development.
“It is crucial for us to ensure local community participation, create a variety of appealing activities, target marketing, and improve accessibility through investments in road and boat transportation.
“My Ministry will collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies to plan and develop lake tourism potentials guided by the Sarawak Hydro Lakes Management and Development Plan 2030,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that Sarawak is capitalising on land-based tourism traffic with its borders adjoining Kalimantan and Brunei Darussalam.
“In 2024, checkpoints such as Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) Sungai Tujuh, Pandaruan, Mengkalap, and Tedungan recorded over 1.6 million Bruneian arrivals.
“The Indonesian arrivals are also strong, with CIQS Tebedu welcoming 280,884 visitors, followed by Biawak with 137,454 visitors and Lubok Antu with 50,124 visitors,” he said.
Recognising the global shifts in travel behaviour, Abdul Karim’s ministry is embracing digital transformation to remain competitive.
“Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) are being integrated to enhance visitor experiences and engagement.
“Leveraging digital technologies is crucial for attracting and engaging modern travellers,” Abdul Karim said.
