The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts is actively supporting communities in converting local heritage into sustainable creative industry products.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the government encourages the participation of both rural and urban communities in the development of the creative industry.
He said the ministry provides spaces and opportunities for local communities to showcase performances in music, dance, and theatre.
“Communities also participated in the Malam Budaya Sarawak programme during the annual Sarawak Regatta, as well as the Sarawakku Sayang programme,” he said.
He was responding to Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan and Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana during the Q&A session today.
On preservation, Snowdan said through the MySeni Arts Encouragement Grant Scheme, the Sarawak Arts Council has “successfully preserved and elevated local traditional dances including the Tarian Ngoncong and Tarian Totokng of the Bidayuh Salako community.
He said the Sape Lutong instrument, belonging to the Orang Ulu ethnic group, has also been maintained under the same initiative.
“The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that ethnic art forms are not lost to time, with both grants and cultural programmes serving as key vehicles for long-term heritage sustainability,” he said.
