Abd Karim: Sarawak rolls out major tourism projects, including craft centre
Photo shows the State Legislative Assembly complex in Kuching. – Bernama photo
KUCHING (May 27): The Sarawak Craft Centre is scheduled for implementation in 2026 as part of the state's ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister stated that the centre will serve as a platform to preserve and promote the state's unique craft heritage.
'The centre will become a dedicated space for local artisans to sell crafts, preserve artistic traditions and promote Sarawak's craft heritage,' he said when delivering his ministerial winding up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abdul Karim pointed out that the project is one of several major infrastructure developments being rolled out by the Sarawak government to boost tourism and improve accessibility across the state.
Among them is the transformation of the historic Old DUN Building into a world-class performing arts centre, which is set for completion by the end of 2027.
He said the venue, inspired by London's Royal Albert Hall, aims to attract international-standard performances.
Abdul Karim said the MBKS Swimming Pool will also be redeveloped into a Water Fun Park and the Centre of Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, scheduled for completion in early 2026.
'This centre aims to highlight Kuching's food heritage and support local creative industries,' he added.
In Lundu and Sematan, Abdul Karim said a Tourists Support Centre is slated for completion by the end of this year.
'The project is part of a broader effort to develop tourism in Lundu and Sematan,' he added.
Abdul Karim said through collaboration with the federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), his ministry has secured an additional RM3.37 million to fund 15 projects focused on upgrading and repairing tourism facilities and homestays across Sarawak.
These include upgrading of tourism facilities will be carried out at Telaga Air Waterfront, Bako National Park, Bukit Lambir National Park, and the jungle trekking trail at Taman Tumbina.
'Visitor facilities at the Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve in Sibu will also be upgraded and repaired.
'Additionally, tourism facilities will be upgraded at Homestay Santubong, Homestay Lobang Batu, and Homestay Rumah Margretta Kerangan Buloh in Julau,' said Abdul Karim.
Abdul Karim also noted that this year marks the end of the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), with preparations underway for the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030).
'I hope the 13th Malaysia Plan will greatly elevate the tourism sector and ensure its contribution to Sarawak's development and prosperity by 2030,' he said. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah lead project tourism infrastructure
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