KUCHING: Sarawak’s Orang Ulu food and craft products have strong potential to reach wider markets through innovation while preserving their cultural heritage, said Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
His speech was delivered on his behalf by Suriya Charles Boas during the opening of the 5th Food & Handicraft Bazaar 2026 organised by Peng Leto Kenyah Sarawak (PLKS) with the support of Persatuan Kebangsaan Kenyah Sarawak (PKKS) Kuching Branch here today.
Suriya said Orang Ulu cuisine has gained popularity among people from various ethnic communities and should be promoted as a unique culinary offering in Kuching.
He noted that restaurants serving Orang Ulu food in Kuching and Miri have attracted patrons from different ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the growing appeal of the cuisine beyond the Orang Ulu community.
“Our food is unique and has the potential to be promoted to a wider audience. It is not only appreciated by our own community but also by people from other ethnic groups,” he said.
On traditional crafts, Suriya said the Orang Ulu community’s craftsmanship is of high quality and has the potential to be elevated to the international stage through continued support, innovation and greater market exposure.
He said the Sarawak Craft Council, together with the ministry, has been actively promoting Sarawak’s craft industry internationally, including participation in INACRAFT (Indonesia International Craft Festival) and other overseas programmes.
According to him, Sarawak became the only Malaysian state invited to participate in INACRAFT for the first time this year, reflecting growing international recognition of the state’s craft products.
He added that Sarawak also recently participated in a craft programme in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, following an invitation from the organisers.
Encouraging local artisans to expand their horizons, Suriya urged them to think beyond local markets and seize opportunities to showcase their products internationally.
“Think big, have a big heart, and be more adventurous,” he said.
He stressed that innovation should complement heritage preservation, allowing traditional products to evolve while retaining their cultural identity and remaining relevant to younger generations.
He said traditional designs could be adapted into more contemporary forms without losing their cultural significance.
“People today do not just buy products; they buy stories. Every product should tell the story behind its origins, meaning and cultural significance,” he said.
Suriya said the bazaar has grown over the past five years into an important platform for showcasing Orang Ulu food, crafts and cultural heritage while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artisans to generate income.
He commended PLKS, with the support of PKKS Kuching Branch, for their dedication in ensuring the annual bazaar continues to grow from strength to strength.
He said supporting local food entrepreneurs and artisans not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also empowers small businesses, creates income opportunities, and strengthens community ties.
Representing Snowdan, Suriya later officially declared the 5th Food & Handicraft Bazaar 2026 open.
