Haze affects tourist arrivals and upcoming events in Sarawak, says state minister

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah speaks during the press conference today. — Picture courtesy of Ukas

First Published: Saturday, 05 Sep 2026 4:34 PM MYT

KUCHING, Sept 5 — Sarawak has seen a slight drop in tourist arrivals amid the current haze, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the decline was expected to continue until the haze situation improved.

“There’s a little bit of drop in the number of tourist arrivals lately. I foresee this thing will continue on until after the haze is over,” he told a press conference after chairing the Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Induk dan Sidang Media bersempena dengan Sambutan Perayaan Hari Malaysia Peringkat Kebangsaan Tahun 2026 at a hotel here today.

Abdul Karim said tourists planning to visit Sarawak might change their travel plans due to the haze.

“If I’m a tourist, if I plan to come to Sarawak at this time or to Kuching, I will change my plan if I am from outside,” he said.

He added that the haze was also affecting several forthcoming events, including the Borderland Music Festival, which will take place at the Sarawak Cultural Village on September 11 and 12.

“I’m quite worried myself, but there’s nothing much we can do. We’ll just hope and pray that the haze problem will go down,” he said.

Abdul Karim also advised organisers of outdoor events to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) and follow guidance from the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC). — The Borneo Post