KUCHING: Sarawak is expected to receive a surge of visitors from China, India, and Gulf countries throughout 2024.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sarawak Chapter chairman John Teo attributed this expected surge to the government’s announcement of a 30-day visa waiver for China, India and Gulf countries markets, effective from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
“For Muslim markets the visa free facility is also extended to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, as well as all West Asia countries including Türkiye and Jordan.
“All hotels and many eateries places are halal certified, which will have no problem catering for foreign Muslim tourists, as Malaysia is a Muslim country,” he said in a press statement today (Dec 31).
With Premier Datuk Patingggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s plans to elevate MASwing to a regional airline, he said the state’s aviation sector is poised for transformation, indirectly bolstering tourism and the hospitality industry
On a related note, Teo said Miri airport is also expanding with an additional bay and two aerobridges, expected to increase foreign flights, thereby attracting more tourists to Miri.
“Another project to be completed by early 2024 will be Miri Sentral, a new transportation hub for the city of Miri and with it more people will be coming to Miri travelling by bus.
“Meanwhile, the Medan Miri Hospital is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2024 which will have additional 328 more beds added to the present 349 beds, bringing Miri Hospital to 677 beds.
“The new Miri City Health Clinic, located next to Miri Hospital, should begin operation by January 2024 expected to accommodate up to 800 patients per day,” he added.
Teo said in 2024, Miri also will be expecting the construction of new housing estate, hotels, new Convention Centre and new Senior Retreat Centre for senior citizens over 60 years old.
