KUCHING: Sarawak needs to maintain an average of 200,000 visitors per month to achieve its target of five million visitors this year.
Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts deputy permanent secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan said that based on data shared by the Immigration Department, Sarawak received an average of 200,000 visitors in January and February, giving confidence that the five-million target can be achieved.
He explained that the organization of various events in Sarawak greatly contributes to the influx of visitors, helping to achieve the target.
“In January, we reached 220,000 (visitors). In February, we also reached approximately 210,000.
“So, we are on the right track. However, if we fall behind, for instance, in March, we need to enhance our festivals and activities, such as the Rainforest World Music Festival and Borneo Sonic, which attract many tourists from Kalimantan, Indonesia, due to the participation of many Indonesian artists,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after officiating the Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 celebration organised by Tourism Malaysia, here today (Apr 1).
Desmond added that the event hosted by Tourism Malaysia aligns perfectly with Sarawak’s goal of achieving five million visitors.
Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak deputy director Kevin Jantan Robert Bidi mentioned that the Aidilfitri celebration programme was organised by Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with the holiday, following the previous celebration for the Chinese New Year.
“This programme is being held simultaneously at five airports across Malaysia, including KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, Bayan Lepas International Airport in Georgetown, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and here at Kuching International Airport,” he said.
He added that the programme is also being held as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign and will continue for other celebrations such as Gawai Dayak, Deepavali, and Christmas.
