KUCHING: Sarawak's renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will continue to emphasise sustainability along with music and culture to meet the changing expectations of a global audience.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said a record crowd of 26,000 visitors last year came for world-class entertainment, cultural exchange, and eco-conscious practices.
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"The immaculate grounds post-festival are proof of our firm stance on sustainable tourism," he said in an e-mail interview.
Building on last year's success, Karim said, RWMF remained committed to its role as a platform for promoting responsible tourism.
"This year, the Green Ruai initiative is being broadened through collaborations with both local and international partners, including the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
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"With features such as a carbon calculator and solar-powered street lighting around the festival grounds, these efforts reflect our drive to amplify and intensify sustainable practices at the festival," he said.
Now in its 28th year, RWMF is taking place at the Sarawak Cultural Village from Friday to Sunday (June 20 to 22).
It will feature artists from 20 countries, including Russia, Hawaii, Colombia and New Zealand, as well as the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience by Al McKay.
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"RWMF remains an important platform for blending world music with cultural showcases and fringe experiences, offering attendees a deeper connection to Sarawak’s rich heritage and diverse cultural landscape.
"Through its diverse programming and focus on sustainability, RWMF continues to position Sarawak as a cultural hub, reinforcing its identity as a leading ecotourism destination while attracting global attention to its unique cultural offerings," Karim added.
