Sarawak to go ‘full swing’ on tourism events amid austerity drive

2026-03-16 - 14:45

Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawakians want to put on their best show and ‘not doing it minimally’. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Sarawak’s tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister said organising events on a minimal scale would not help the state achieve its goal of attracting visitors, following calls for more prudent spending. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak will continue to hold major tourism and cultural events at full scale, Borneo Post reported. “Why should we do it in a moderate way? You should go full swing,” he was quoted as saying in response to an advisory on prudent spending. He said the tourism and cultural events aimed to introduce Sarawak’s culture and food. When it came to the Rainforest World Music Festival or other musical events, he said, they wanted performers to put on their best show and “not halfway or doing it minimally”. Karim said moderation could apply to certain celebrations, such as Hari Raya open house gatherings. “For example, if previously, there were 10 dishes prepared, they could be reduced to five. That is what we mean by moderation,” he said. He also did not dismiss the possibility that the Sarawak government would scrap plans for a state-level open house this year. Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government will not hold any open house for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and will reduce the number of trips abroad as part of efforts to save funds in view of the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. Anwar also said government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies had been ordered not to hold Aidilfitri open houses. The Penang government, on the other hand, will proceed with its plans for a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house, but on a modest scale.