Achieving our 3 million visitors target sooner than expected

 The year 2023 has been great for tourism in Sarawak with the target of 3 million visitors achieved two months before the year ends. I was satisfied with the overall key performance index (KPI) of the tourism ministry, particularly on achieving the target of 2 million visitors in 2022 and 3 million visitors this year.

In general, I consider the whole year of 2023 to be a good year for the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and for everything that we have done...we have achieved our targets, particularly on the arrival of visitors. In terms of administration of state affairs, our financial management and policies continue to drive development, aside from the state government being regarded as a “close friend” of the Federal government.

Every time our Right Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim comes to Sarawak, he is always very impressed and inspired about the administration of Sarawak and the unity among races here. Thus, it is important for a multiethnic society to continue stay tolerant and moderate to respect various religions and backgrounds for a more harmonious relationship.

Sarawak government will also continue to be a strong supporter of the local creative and arts industry, including establishing the Centre of Performing Arts at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building. Another upcoming project is the Sarawak Arts Centre, which will be set up at the heritage building previously housing the Kuching Municipal Council (KMC) office, opposite the Central Police Station near Padang Merdeka in Kuching City.