Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting (back row, fourth left) and Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor (back row, third left) with sponsors of the Rainforest World Music Festival at an appreciation ceremony in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The Sultans of Selangor and Perak are expected to be among the VVIP guests attending the Rainforest World Music Festival next weekend, says a Sarawak leader.
Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting said Their Royal Highnesses were likely to be joined by various ambassadors to Malaysia at the festival.
"I understand that the Sultan of Selangor will be here and the Sultan of Perak is likely to be joining us as well," he told reporters after an appreciation ceremony for festival sponsors here on Wednesday (June 19).
The festival will take place at the Sarawak Cultural Village here from June 28-30.
Among the biggest attractions this year is renowned Japanese musician Kitaro, who will perform on the opening night.
Ting also said ticket sales were better than in previous years, with more than 20,000 people expected to attend over the three days.
"The sale of tickets for Friday night has surpassed other years because Kitaro will be performing," he said.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said a large number of tickets had been snapped up by international festival goers.
"We have visitors coming from all 10 South-East Asian countries. We also have visitors from Africa, Britain and elsewhere. The reach is greater this year," she said, adding that ticket sales were expected to pick up with one week to go.
Sharzede also said security would be a priority given the royal guests and other VIPs.
She added that upgrading works at Sarawak Cultural Village had also been completed in time for the festival.
"There will be a VIP grandstand where we can accommodate our VVIPs comfortably," she said.
