KUCHING: The construction of the Sarawak Crafts Centre and Gastronomy Centre is expected to be expedited due to the increasing number of tourists visiting the region.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said both centres are crucial to completing the tourist experience in Kuching, which is increasingly gaining national and international attention.
“I hope both centres can be completed quickly because tourist arrivals are currently very encouraging.
“We want visitors to enjoy a comprehensive experience when visiting Sarawak, from museums to crafts and ethnic culinary offerings,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating at the 12th World Eco-Fiber and Textile (WEFT) Forum at Dewan Seri Mahligai, Jalan Crookshank, here today.
He said that the planned Sarawak Crafts Centre, to be built near the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM), will serve as the state’s craft exhibition, sales and administration centre.
“The location is strategic because visitors can exit the museum and directly visit the crafts centre to view exhibitions or purchase traditional products.
“The crafts centre project is currently in its preliminary stages, including land acquisition processes, with designs and approval from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg already obtained,” he said.
He added that construction is expected to take 18 to 24 months, with completion targeted for 2027.
“The centre will showcase the diversity of Sarawak’s traditional crafts, including Malay keringkam and songket, Dayak pua kumbu and Orang Ulu community baskets and beadwork.
“This project is not merely a physical building but a platform to display the identity and creativity of the state’s ethnic communities,” he said.
Regarding the Gastronomy Centre, Abdul Karim said the project is under construction at the Kuching Swimming Pool area, under Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and is expected to be completed by August next year.
“The Gastronomy Centre is a necessary facility to meet Kuching’s recognition as a City of Gastronomy.
“It is built adjacent to the swimming pool area and designed as an iconic building where families can enjoy recreational activities, while also providing space for preparation and exhibition of Sarawak ethnic cuisine,” he said.
According to a report on June 20, after chairing the first Board of Directors meeting of the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) at a local hotel, Abdul Karim confirmed that the construction of the Sarawak Crafts Centre aligns with the government’s goal of making the craft industry an economic driver.
He said the centre will house permanent offices of SCC, gallery and training spaces, as well as administrative functions, making it the core of the region’s craft industry development.
