Sarawak will adopt new ideas and strategies to improve tourism to the East Malaysian state. Sarawak’s Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the role of national parks to attract more international tourists. Sarawak Forestry Corporation has the mandate to work together with the private sector to operate facilities in national parks.

Abang Johari said “We want to upgrade our national parks, particularly those frequently visited by visitors such as the Bako National Park, Semenggoh National Park, Mulu National Park as well as Niah National Park. These are the national parks we are going to upgrade,”

He added “The asset belongs to the government, but SFC will work with the private sector to operate the national park. This gives an interaction between the asset holder, which is the government, and must comply with certain regulations enforced by SFC in terms of conservation and preservation but the marketing and running of the facilities will be done by the private sector.”

More emphasis will be placed on product development and the promotion of tourism to draw more international visitors. As in conjunction with the nation-wide Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign, the state has launched its promotion branded Visit Sarawak Campaign: Sarawak, More To Discover.

For medical tourism in the state, Sarawak is also increasing promotions to reach out to Asia’s event organizers called MICE planners ( Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). The state’s minister of tourism emphasized the drive to bring more healthcare travel to Sarawak.