KUCHING: Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan has called for more funding for the ministry to elevate Sarawak into a premier tourist hotspot in Malaysia.
Highlighting Sarawak’s vast area and diverse tourism and ecotourism offerings, he stressed that additional funding channelled through the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) from the federal government is vital in realising the vision.
“Our expectation is to secure an extra budget from the federal government to assist in promoting Sarawak. Apart from the state’s fund allocation, there must be additional funding from MOTAC as we have a lot of places that we want to develop and showcase.
“This is to facilitate the exploration and proper development of these unique and potential tourism spots to attract both domestic and international tourists.
“For example, the public has recently discovered numerous waterfalls hid within the jungles of Sri Aman and Kapit, and we want to develop these places through infrastructure work to attract tourists and boost the economy for the local community,” he explained.
He said this when met by reporters after flagging off the St. Faith Kindergarten 2023 Family Fun Run at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Courtyard here today (Oct 14).
Furthermore, he disclosed that the extra funding is also to accommodate for additional events organised by the public that were not budgeted prior.
“With an increase of international events being organised that were not budgeted for, we have to ask for extra budget through our cabinet paper just to cover the cost of operations for the remaining month of October.
“We want to promote Sarawak aggressively, which is why we need a budget allocation that can match our efforts,” he added.
Snowdan also expressed enthusiasm, stating that there will be more events lined up for next year and the ministry is positive about the future of Sarawak tourism for the next 3-5 years.
