By Christine T
KUCHING, Oct 1: The backdrop at Kuching International Airport (KIA) featuring a traditional weaving motif will be reviewed after Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the design appeared to be AI-generated rather than an original Sarawak motif.
Abdul Karim said the motif shown in the backdrop allegedly did not appear to accurately reflect Sarawak’s cultural identity, following criticism from local artist Gerald Goh that the design looked more like Indonesian ‘ikat’ than Sarawak’s traditional ‘Pua Kumbu’.
“When I saw the photo which was shown on social media, it was indeed true.
“The motif shown is AI-generated, and not an original motif, and that does not really reflect Sarawak’s motif,” he told reporters during a press conference for the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2026 held at Baitulmakmur II building today.