KUCHING: Sarawak is set to strengthen its craft industry with the development of a dedicated headquarters for the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) and the introduction of an annual Hari Kraf (Sarawak Craft Festival) celebration to honour outstanding local artisans.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the two-acre site identified for the SCC headquarters is located behind the Sikh temple and adjacent to the road leading to the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM).
“This will be the permanent home for SCC, a space where our crafts can be properly exhibited and sold.
“It complements the surrounding attractions like the museum and ART station, making it a new creative hub in the heart of the city,” he said during a press conference after chairing SCC’s Full Council Meeting 1/2025 at Waterfront Hotel here on Friday.
Abdul Karim stated that the facility will include a gallery, retail centre and administrative offices, as it is expected to serve not only as a showcase but also as a platform to elevate Sarawak-made products to international standards.
“Construction is expected to take about two years, and in the meantime, SCC will continue operations at its temporary office at the Old Sarawak Steamship Building,” he added.
Alongside infrastructure development, Abdul Karim said the council is also planning to launch Hari Kraf, a state-level event dedicated to recognising and rewarding talented craftspeople in various fields including textiles, beadwork, pottery and rattan weaving.
“We want to give due recognition to our artisans through a formal celebration. Hari Kraf will be the platform to highlight excellence, and those honoured could become icons for the industry,” he said.
Although the event may not take place this year, Abdul Karim said plans are underway to hold it as early as next year or in 2027, depending on readiness and logistics.
As part of SCC’s broader strategy, local craftspeople are encouraged to register with the council to enjoy benefits such as access to funding, promotional opportunities, and training.
“Registration is not mandatory, but for those serious about advancing in this field, it’s a smart move. We are offering support, not asking for monthly payments. It’s all about helping them grow.
“Registered artisans will be eligible for assistance under programmes such as the dana mudahcara and creative venture funds, and they may also participate in exhibitions, expos and trade fairs locally and abroad,” he said.
Abdul Karim also highlighted the need to safeguard traditional designs and indigenous intellectual property from imitation and exploitation, an issue he said is becoming increasingly urgent.
“From baskets to textiles, our heritage designs must be protected. We’ve seen how quickly others claim what is ours. If we don’t act, we risk losing more than just art, we lose part of our identity,” he stressed.
By combining cultural preservation, infrastructure investment and artisan empowerment, Abdul Karim believes the future of Sarawak’s craft industry is both promising and sustainable.
