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Ahmad Zahid: Sarawak on track for 5 mln tourist arrivals in 2025
Ahmad Zahid expresses his confidence in Sarawak, stating that the state's current performance has proven this. – File photo
SARATOK (June 22): Sarawak is on track to achieve its target of five million tourist arrivals and generate RM12.73 billion in tourism revenue this year, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid expressed his confidence in Sarawak, stating that the state's current performance has proven this.
'In the first four months of this year alone, Sarawak received more than 1.6 million visitors, generating tourism revenue of RM4.07 billion.
'God willing, we are on the right track to achieve the target of five million tourist arrivals and RM12.73 billion in tourism revenue for 2025,' he said when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for Kampung Kupang-Jalan Bajau junction road project held at Rumah Rengan in Selambong here today.
Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is the chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism and Culture (JKPK), said Sarawak has a rich culture, a variety of tourism products, and a unique heritage that can be the main driver for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (TMM 2026) Campaign.
'We have set a target of 35.6 million international visitors with a potential economic return of RM147.1 billion in conjunction with TMM 2026.
'So, this is where the important role of all of us is to take advantage of our political stability and close relationships to attract more visitors to Sarawak.
'As the JKPK chairman, I do not want Sarawak to be left behind,' he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the 19.9-kilometre road project will create new connectivity for at least 5,000 residents in the surrounding areas, especially Kampung Kupang.
The project was approved under the Ministry Rural and Regional Development's (KKDW) Rural Road Programme (JALB) at a cost of RM122.5 million with Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) as the implementing agency.
Work began on Jan 14 this year and it is expected to be fully completed on Sept 14, 2027.
The scope of the project is to upgrade the existing road to a paved road in accordance with JKR standards and includes the construction of five bridges.
'After this, it will be more convenient for residents in Rumah Rabiah, Rumah Ganing, Rumah Rengan, Rumah Lakon, Rumah Anau, SK Sungai Entebu, SK Nanga Abu, Rumah Bajau Baru and other areas to commute to Saratok town.
'In addition to a more comfortable and safer route, it will cut short their travel time to Saratok town up to one hour thus helping to stimulate the socio-economic development of Saratok and its surroundings, as well as creating new job opportunities and industries.'
Ahmad Zahid urged the selected contractors to adhere strictly to the schedule and specifications.
'Regular monitoring by the Sarawak JKR is also very important to ensure that the progress and quality of the work is always under control.
'This is because the people today do not just want the existence of infrastructure. They want quality infrastructure that is completed on time and provides comprehensive benefits,' he said.
In line with these developments, Ahmad Zahid encouraged local residents to participate in entrepreneurial activities.
'Infrastructural developments such as roads not only connect villages to towns, but also open up opportunities for local economic growth.
'Therefore, I would like the community in this area to take advantage of these facilities by venturing into entrepreneurship, whether in the modern agriculture, handicrafts, e-commerce or community tourism sectors.
'Under KKDW, we have many initiatives to assist entrepreneurs such as the Rural Entrepreneurship Strengthening Support Program (SPKLB), Income Enhancement Programme (PPP), Rural Economy Financing Scheme (SPED) including entrepreneurship programs operated by agencies under KKDW such as Mara, Risda, Felcra and others.
'All these initiatives aim to provide access to rural residents to participate in the entrepreneurial ecosystem as one of the main strategies to eradicate extreme poverty and continuously generate new job opportunities in rural areas.
'When there are facilities, there is support and there is enthusiasm, rural entrepreneurship can be a way out of poverty,' he said. ahmad zahid hamidi lead tourism revenye tourist arrivals
