KUCHING: The 29th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) continues to receive an overwhelming response as thousands of visitors flock to the festival location, thus strengthening its position as an international music and tourism event.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the success of the festival proved that RWMF remained one of the world’s most anticipated music events, in addition to being an important platform in promoting Sarawak’s cultural diversity and natural beauty.
He said the state government was optimistic that the response to the festival would continue to increase ahead of the 30th edition next year, which was expected to be celebrated more enthusiastically in conjunction with the festival’s important anniversary.
“Next year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of RWMF, and I know that this festival is indeed very famous around the world.
“… this festival is among the 20 best music festivals in the world,” he told reporters at the opening ceremony of RWMF 2026 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong last night.
He said the recognition of the festival over the years proved its ability to attract local and international tourists.
A Bernama survey on the first day of the RWMF witnessed a lively atmosphere as thousands of visitors from home and abroad flooded the Sarawak Cultural Village to enjoy musical performances, culture and the uniqueness of the ethnic heritage on display.
The festival, which was held for three days starting yesterday, will last until Sunday.
In the afternoon, visitors began to fill the festival area to take part in various interactive activities, including traditional music workshops, cultural performances and sales of local crafts before the culmination of performances by artists from various countries in the evening.
The appearance of nationally renowned singer and composer Datuk M Nasir was also one of the most anticipated moments on the opening night of RWMF when he managed to wow thousands of visitors who filled the main stage.
The energetic performance saw visitors singing his popular songs.
M Nasir performed with a combination of traditional and contemporary musical elements, which is in line with the RWMF concept of highlighting the diversity of cultures and world music.
— BERNAMA
