THE Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Ministry will receive an allocation of RM174 million for its operations and to implement various tourism marketing and promotion programmes in 2025.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in tabling the second reading of the Sarawak Budget 2025 at the second meeting of the third session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, outlined the breakdown of the funds.
The allocation includes RM45 million for hosting events and festivals that showcase Sarawak’s cultural vibrancy, and RM86 million in grants for key organisations, including the Sarawak Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, Sarawak Art Council, and Sarawak Craft Council.
Another RM10 million is earmarked for sponsorship grants for tourism activities, while RM5 million will be allocated for research grants.
Abang Johari also revealed that RM81 million will be provided under the 2025 Development Budget to continue the implementation of various tourism-related projects.
These include the Performing Arts Centre at the old DUN premises, the transformation of the Brooke Dockyard into an Industrial Heritage Museum, and the Sadong Jaya Mangrove Tourism initiative.
Other projects listed include the Sarawak Museum Campus and Heritage Trails, Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre, as well as the restoration and upgrading of the Islamic Heritage Museum Building and Exhibition and Darul Hana Malay Heritage Museum.
Highlighting the importance of tourism for Sarawak’s economic diversification, Abang Johari, who is also the Finance and New Economy Minister, stressed that digital marketing initiatives will be expanded in 2025.
These will focus on collaborations with online travel agencies and airlines to increase accessibility to key markets across Europe, Asean, and Oceania. The state aims to attract five million visitors by the end of 2025 through strategic enhancements to visibility and connectivity.
The Premier also touched on the development of ecotourism, with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) continuing its efforts in promoting conservation-based ecotourism. SFC is committed to creating sustainable experiences for visitors, while empowering local communities and preserving Sarawak’s heritage.
Initiatives such as promoting Niah National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and expanding training for park guides are part of the state’s push to establish Sarawak as a leader in regional ecotourism.
