KUCHING: The proposed RM252 million allocation for the state’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to carry out various tourism programmes is welcomed by its Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The allocation for tourism programmes also includes marketing and promotion, bidding for business events, festivals and events as well as tourism infrastructure development.
“We welcomed the proposed allocation as mentioned by our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and for the 2021 State Budget, which falls under the strategic initiative No 5 towards boosting the tourism sector,” said Abdul Karim.
The Asajaya assemblyman added that the state’s tourism sector needs a boost because over the past decade, it had grown significantly both in terms of bringing in foreign and domestic tourists as well as its contribution to the growth of the state’s economy.
However, the situation is dampened by the Covid-19 pandemic, which coupled with the movement restriction, and has caused a sharp decline in travel and leisure activities.
“As what the chief minister had mentioned in his budget speech, our tourism sector is one of those that are badly hit by the pandemic and it had also impacted the lives of our local folk who are involved in the industry at all levels.
“Thus, it is important for the government to continue to provide allocation to develop new tourism attractions while upgrading the existing ones which will be ready to receive the expected influx of tourists when the situation has improved.
Abdul Karim also expressed his and his ministry’s appreciation to the chief minister for the proposed allocation.
“This showed how Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has always placed the wellbeing of the people as a priority in all of its planning and actions.
“This is also in line with our struggle in protecting the rights and safeguarding the interests of Sarawak under the motto ‘Prioritise Sarawak’, ‘Sarawak First’,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also the state’s Youth and Sports Minister, said with the commitment, the State 2021 Budget will focus on the need to revive and redevelop the state’s economy by accelerating the implementation of various infrastructure projects including facilities, public facilities, digital economic initiatives, housing, education, talent development and social development.
“This measure will have multiplier effects that will create better job opportunities, improve the living standards of local folk, and to ensure business continuity for the good of the community.
“Even though our economy is expected to contract between 3.5 percent and 5.0 percent this year, we will continue to persevere while accepting the decline in tourism sector has spilled over effect on other services sectors, particularly affecting the transport and logistics, hotel and accommodations, wholesale and retail trade as well as food and beverages industries,” he said.
Abdul Karim also mentioned that among the worst hit by the pandemic is the tourism sector where for the first nine months of this year, visitors’ arrivals had contracted by 64.1 percent due to travel restrictions and closure of international borders.
“Hence, efforts must be made to revive the sector and to render assistance to those who are involved in the industry,” he said.
