Nearly RM50 mln for 346 tourism, arts and culture events approved: Abdul Karim

THE Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts has approved RM46.43 million to support 346 events and programmes in the first 10 months of this year, reflecting Sarawak’s continued efforts to strengthen its tourism, arts, culture and heritage sectors.

Its minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the approvals comprised RM42.1 million for 256 events and festivals under the Geran Sokongan Acara dan Pesta, and RM4.33 million for 90 heritage and creative industry programmes under the Dana Mudahcara Warisan dan Kesenian Sarawak.

He said the number of approved events had nearly matched the 355 events organised throughout 2025, with more applications still under consideration before the end of the year.

“The ministry also approved RM3.21 million in research funding since 2022 through the Geran Sokongan Kajian dan Penyelidikan Pelancongan, Warisan dan Kesenian Sarawak,” he said this in his ministerial winding-up speech on Tuesday (Oct 20).

Abdul Karim said 22 research projects covering gastronomy, ecotourism, heritage and community-based tourism had been completed, with their findings contributing to the development of Sarawak’s tourism, arts, culture and heritage.

On tourism infrastructure, he said the redevelopment of the MBKS swimming pool into a water fun park and the centre of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy was scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

“The centre is expected to serve as a hub for culinary innovation and the preservation of Sarawak’s rich food heritage.

Abdul Karim stated that another major project, the transformation of the Old DUN Building Complex into a modern Performing Arts Centre, is progressing on schedule and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.

“Once completed, the centre will provide a premier venue for showcasing Sarawak’s performing arts, while the Lapau building will be converted into a fine-dining restaurant.

“The fountain area will also be revitalised into an attractive public space as part of efforts to enhance the complex’s appeal to visitors,” he said.

Abdul Karim said several other tourism, arts and heritage projects were in the early stages of implementation, including the Sarawak Craft Centre, Sarawak Arts Gallery and the transformation of the Miri Petroleum Museum.

Conservation and upgrading works are also planned for heritage assets including Fort Lili in Betong, Fort Brooke in Julau, Fort Emma in Kanowit and Fort Hose in Marudi.

“The initiatives form part of the ministry’s broader efforts to preserve Sarawak’s distinctive cultural identity while creating new experiences for visitors and supporting the growth of the state’s tourism and creative industries,” he said.