KUCHING: The organisation of the Legends Charity Night next Saturday not only serves as a platform to appreciate the role of the nation’s music legends, but is also expected to boost the tourism sector and strengthen the performing arts industry in Sarawak.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event happening on 4 July will begin from 6.30 pm to 11 pm, featuring a line-up of national legendary artists such as Dato' Zainal Abidin, Dato' Khadijah Ibrahim, Dato' Ramli Sarip and Dato' Jamal Abdillah, in addition to the participation of legendary artists from Sarawak.

According to him, the organisation of the programme reflects the ongoing commitment of the Sarawak Government in empowering the entertainment and performing arts industry, as well as serving as a medium to strengthen the relationship between fans from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia in order to preserve the nation’s artistic heritage.

"Many of them have sacrificed their time and energy to entertain the community for decades.

"However, as they get older, the opportunities to perform become fewer and most of them do not have a pension, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) or retirement guarantee like civil servants," he said in a press conference on the organisation of the programme at the Ministry for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) office, here on Tuesday.

Commenting further, Dato Sri Abdul Karim said that Miri was chosen as the venue because of its strategic location and being the main gateway for tourists, particularly from Brunei Darussalam and the northern region of Sarawak, thus being able to provide economic spillover to the tourism, hospitality and local business sectors.

Accordingly, he called on corporate companies in Sarawak to come forward to support the organisation of the charity event as a tribute to the nation’s music legends who have greatly contributed to elevating the Malaysian music industry.

"I call on the citizens of Miri, Bintulu, Brunei Darussalam and the surrounding areas to come and give support. Although tickets must be paid for, most of the proceeds are for charity purposes.

"At the same time, the public will be entertained by legendary artists who have coloured the nation’s music industry for over 30 to 50 years," he said.

Also present were MTCP Permanent Secretary Morshidi Fredrick, Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia Chairwoman Dato' Khadijah Ibrahim and Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia President Dato' Freddie Fernandez. -UKASnews