By CW Claire
KUCHING, May 19 2026: Sarawak recorded 1.24 million visitor arrivals in the first quarter of this year, an increase of 4.5% compared to the same period in 2025. Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.
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He said Asia remains Sarawak's key source of visitors, contributed 52.6% of the total visitors.
“Out of this, 48.8% are from the ASEAN countries,” he said in his winding up speech.
He said Sarawak generated a remarkable RM3.15 billion in tourism receipt from January to March this year.
He said Brunei and Indonesia together accounted for 48% of Sarawak's total visitor arrivals, underscoring their continued strategic importance to our tourism sector.
He added Sarawak generated a total of RM12.67 billion in tourism receipts with a growth of 1.75% in 2025, compared to the previous year.
Karim said Sarawak recorded a total of 4.97 million visitor arrivals last year, reflecting a modest
growth of 2.89% compared to 2024, which highlights a steady recovery and continued positive momentum for the tourism sector.
The minister also said that Sarawak's tourism sector continues to gain momentum, supported by a diverse range of tourism offerings and well-executed marketing initiatives.
“My ministry is committed to further elevating Sarawak's standing as a leading destination, highlighting its unique eco-tourism, blend of arts, culture, and heritage,” he said.
“We are happy to note that despite the challenges posed by the global crisis, the statistics indicated that Sarawak's tourism industry continues to flourish and strengthen.
“The tourism industry acts as an economic catalyst by creating a spin-off effect that extends far beyond hospitality services, generating multiplier effects that elevate the social wellbeing of the community.
“The number of tourist arrivals is translated into tourism receipt which indicates how much the industry's contribution to the economy,” he said.
