MIRI: Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted Miri’s unique cultural diversity and its crucial role in the state’s tourism success during the grand opening of the Miri ‘Gong Xi Bazaar 2025’ on Sunday night (Jan 19).
Speaking at the event held in front of the old Miri Resident Office at Jalan Kingsway, the minister emphasised Miri’s standing as a vibrant melting pot of ethnicities.“
He said Miri division is among the most diverse in Sarawak.
“We have an extraordinary array of ethnic groups here, from the Orang Ulu, including the Kelabit, Lun Bawang, Penan, and Kedayan, to the Chinese, Malays, and Melanau. It’s a testament to the beauty of Sarawak’s cultural richness.”
The bazaar’s opening featured a showcase of traditional dances, with performers dressed in costumes representing Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Kelabit, and Chinese communities, underscoring the state’s harmonious coexistence and cultural diversity.
Reflecting on Sarawak’s tourism achievements, Abdul Karim highlighted record-breaking visitor numbers over recent years.
“Since 2022, we’ve consistently surpassed our tourism targets. In 2024 alone, we reached 4.8 million visitors by December, the highest figure ever recorded. For 2025, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has set an ambitious target of 5 million visitors.”
Karim credited the success to strong collaboration among city councils, agencies such as the Sarawak Tourism Board, and strategic events like the Gong Xi Bazaar.
He noted that Miri serves as a key gateway for visitors, particularly from neighbouring Brunei.
“Over the past 12 months, more than 150,000 Bruneians have visited Sarawak every month, many choosing Miri as their destination. Their visits contribute significantly to our economy through hotel stays, shopping, and entertainment,” he said.
Karim expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 target, citing ongoing promotional efforts and the appeal of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage.
“Sarawak is a harmonious melting pot of ethnicities and religions. This unity and our stable environment make us an attractive destination for both local and international visitors,” he added.
Despite occasional flash floods, Sarawak has been spared from the severe natural disasters faced by its neighbours, a factor he credited as an additional draw for tourists.
The Gong Xi Bazaar has already attracted thousands of visitors, transforming the Jalan Kingsway venue into a lively hub of activity featuring more than 400 food and beverages stalls.
The event is expected to draw even larger crowds over the next ten days, including tourists from Brunei, Sabah, and beyond, as families and friends celebrate Chinese New Year.
Also in attendance were Minister for Transport Sarawak Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, and the event’s co-organising chairman Vincent Lu Yew Hee.
