Sarawak tourism dips as haze blankets state, events at risk

KUCHING, Sept 5 — Tourist arrivals in Sarawak have slipped amid persistent haze blanketing the state, with authorities expressing concern over the impact on the tourism industry and scheduled events.

State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performance Arts Minister Wong Soon Koh said the haze has discouraged some visitors from travelling to the state, contributing to the downturn in arrivals during this period. The minister noted that the air quality issues are affecting not only tourist numbers but also creating operational challenges for tourism-related businesses.

Beyond immediate visitor losses, Wong flagged risks to upcoming events across Sarawak. The haze poses potential disruptions to tourism activities, outdoor events, and hospitality operations that rely on favourable weather conditions and clear visibility to attract participants and guests.

The state has been grappling with transboundary haze, a recurring seasonal phenomenon affecting multiple countries in Southeast Asia. Authorities have been monitoring air quality levels and working with relevant agencies to manage the situation.

The tourism industry, a key economic contributor to Sarawak, typically sees strong visitor numbers during this period. Stakeholders are hoping for an improvement in air quality to restore visitor confidence and allow scheduled events to proceed as planned.