KUCHING: CENTEXS Commercial Sarawak marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the ‘Sense of Malaysia’ (SOM) showcase at Kuching International Airport today.
It was a collaborative initiative with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to promote Sarawak-made products to domestic and international travellers.
The launch was graced by Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, accompanied by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah.
Tunku Azizah is on a two-day visit to Kuching beginning today.
According to CENTEXS Commercial General Manager, Shahren Yusri, the showcase positions Sarawak entrepreneurs on a national platform by providing a permanent retail space within the airport.
“Today is a historic day for CENTEXS Commercial because we have successfully launched ‘Sense of Malaysia’, together with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.
“CENTEXS Commercial acts as the operator and coordinator to bring Sarawak entrepreneurs here to sell and promote their products,” he said.
Shahren said the outlet has achieved a strong sales performance since it began operations.
“As of November, SOM Kuching has recorded total sales of RM1,169,539.70, with daily transactions ranging from RM3,000 to RM13,000, especially on weekends.
“The outlet currently hosts 20 registered vendors offering crafts, textiles, accessories, food products, cosmetics and wellness items.
“Our entrepreneurs are producing better products every day. The product quality and packaging have improved significantly as participating entrepreneurs continue to refine their offerings,” he said.
The SOM space currently features products from about 25 Sarawak entrepreneurs across three main categories: handicrafts, food items and textiles.
“We also blend handicrafts with accessories to diversify the offerings. This is a joint programme under MAHB, and we hope even more Sarawak entrepreneurs will send their products here,” he said.
Shahren added that discussions are underway to expand Sarawak’s presence beyond the state.
“If there is strong demand next year, we will expand into Peninsular Malaysia; possibly KLIA Terminal 1 or KLIA Terminal 2.
“This is still under discussion with MAHB, but the aim is to bring Sarawak products to a wider market,” he said.
Shahren said Tunku Azizah expressed strong approval of the quality and diversity of the products showcased.
“Her Majesty’s feedback was very positive. She said more products should be added because the quality here is already excellent. She even purchased some items to try,” he said.
He added that Tunku Azizah also suggested including products made by inmates under the Prison Department, such as pastries and traditional snacks.
“She recommended that we explore bringing prison-made products like curry puffs and kuih. It was a valuable suggestion,” he said.
