Sarawak Strengthens Status As ‘Gateway To Borneo’, Aims To Become Ecotourism Giant
KUCHING: Sarawak continues to strengthen its position as the ‘Gateway to Borneo’ by taking aggressive steps towards emerging as a new ‘giant’ in the ecotourism sector.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said Sarawak would continue to promise iconic experiences that reflect the identity of this region, thereby positioning Sarawak as a destination of choice for domestic and foreign tourists.
To achieve this effort, he explained that Sarawak has spent RM129 million on the development and modernisation of tourism infrastructure.
“This allocation was used to transform the old Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building into a Performing Arts Centre, the redevelopment of the Kuching South City Hall (MBKS) Swimming Pool as a Water Park and UNESCO Creative City Gastronomy Hub, the Sadong Jaya Mangrove Tourism project and the development of a museum,” he said.
He said this when tabling the Supply (2026) Bill, 2025 during the 19th Sarawak DUN Sitting on Monday.
To strengthen Sarawak's presence in key markets and attract high-impact tourists, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari explained that the government will allocate RM194 million to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) for the purpose of operations and the implementation of targeted tourism marketing and promotion programmes.
"This allocation includes RM45 million for the organisation of events and festivals that highlight the uniqueness of Sarawak's culture, RM106 million in grants to the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Business Events Sarawak, the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) and the Sarawak Crafts Council, RM10 million for sponsorship of cultural and heritage programmes, RM5 million for research grants, and RM1 million for other tourism-related grants," he explained.
In a related development, the Sarawak Minister of Finance and New Economy explained that RM24 million has been allocated to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for strategic projects such as the management of Gunung Mulu National Park, the redevelopment of the Bako National Park entrance, the construction of the Nature Discovery Centre at Piasau Nature Reserve as well as the park guide training and management system.
He said this effort proves Sarawak's commitment to preserving and promoting iconic sites such as Gunung Mulu and Niah which are recognised by UNESCO.
In addition, he said, the launch of AirBorneo will be a new and important catalyst to improve connectivity and strengthen Sarawak's image as the main gateway to Borneo on the ASEAN and international stages. - UKASnews
