KUCHING: The Sarawak government today expressed its support and readiness to host Karnival Jom Heboh (KJH) in the state again in the future.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Karnival Jom Heboh Segulai Sejalai (KJH) has proven to bring various benefits, including contributing to the socio-economic and tourism sector in Sarawak.
The Sarawak-leg of the carnival organised by Media Prima Bhd with full support of the Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry (MTCP), said Karim, not only provided many Sarawak local business operators with the opportunity to generate more income but good exposure to large-scale events.
"The Sarawak government, through MTCP, always supports the organisation of programmes and various activities catering to people from all walks of life.
"Such carnivals provide a great opportunity for all of us to spend quality time with our family and friends," he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the KJH at Dataran Perayaan Petra Jaya here this evening.
Present were Media Prima Omnia chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar, New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd group managing editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzaman and MTCP permanent deputy secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan.
Abdul Karim, on behalf of the operators of 132 booths set-up during the carnival, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response and support towards local products.
He added that the encouraging response among the people towards KJH, which made its return to Sarawak after 11 years, is not demonstrated among the residents residing in Kuching but also from those residing in Miri, Bintulu, Sibu and Asajaya.
"I congratulate the organizers because this event received a positive reception from the local community who came in large numbers since it started on Friday.
"Congratulations to all the members of Media Prima Bhd, especially Media Prima Omnia, who worked tirelessly to ensure the carnival is a success," he said.
Mohd Efendi said KJH in Sarawak attracted more than 300,000 visitors despite unfavorable weather conditions on Saturday and today.