THE Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts through Kraftangan Malaysia Sarawak has set a sales target of RM27 million for craft entrepreneurs registered with them.
Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah reported a promising start for the year, with Sarawak craft sales totalling RM5.43 million in the first quarter of 2024.
“Currently, there are around 1,232 local craft entrepreneurs registered with Kraftangan Malaysia Sarawak.
“Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) alongside Kraftangan Malaysia Sarawak and allied agencies, will continue to collaborate closely to foster growth in the number of craft producers and entrepreneurs.
“Several initiatives have been launched by SCC to promote the growth of Sarawak crafts, including its participation in the INACRAFT Jakarta 2024, IMEX Frankfurt 2024, a benchmarking visit to Singapore, and the Bali Arts Festival 2024,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech today.
Abdul Karim said the craft community development initiatives not only focus on preserving traditional skills and cultural heritage but also aim to monetise these efforts for the benefit of local economies.
He highlighted programmes such as the handicraft home training programme, raw material processing programme, skill training in production, and educational visits as part of the craft community development’s efforts to equip craft entrepreneurs with essential skills.
“These initiatives aim to drive and develop the local craft industry as a significant economic contributor to Sarawak’s tourism sector.
“It is part of SCC’s strategic plan to expand the market sizes of Sarawak craft products both domestically and globally,” he added.
