WITH the recent passing of the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) Bill, the industry is set to steer forward to achieve its total target sales of RM183.6 million of authentic Sarawak craft products.
This will involve 1,800 resilient entrepreneurs and producers as outlined in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the SCC will take the necessary steps to meet the needs and aspirations of the stakeholders, the government and the rakyat.
Among the immediate actions are to appoint the board of directors and chief executive officer, organisational restructuring and appointment of officers and staff, and to propose and secure funding for the council to operate and develop the industry
“Those appointed shall have the relevant expertise, knowledge and experience about the industry as per Clause 4 of the Ordinance,” he said.
Abdul Karim was delivering his ministerial winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly today.
He said working committees, which would include experts, and experienced and knowledgeable individuals, will be appointed by the council to assist in specific tasks such as certification of Sarawak craft products, governance, integrity and accountability, and marketing and sales.
The council will revisit the current development plans and policies, taking into account the functions and powers that are outlined in the Bill, the PCDS 2030, the Tourism Master Plan, the 2004 Handicraft Development Study, other related laws, plans, policies and technologies, including information technologies.
“The expected output would be firmed up policies, strategies and development plans on marketing, capacity building, research and development,” he added.
In addition, Abdul Karim said, it is crucial to enhance the processes and expand the scope of documentation of products, producers, artisans, traditional skills and knowledge, primarily in digital format, to ensure such data, skills and knowledge are not lost and available to the public for information and reference.
The council, he said, will need to initiate the processes and appropriate steps to identify, document and secure the intellectual property rights for crafts, motifs and production processes.
“As of February 2021, only Songket Rajang has been registered under the Geographical Indicator under The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO),” he said.
Abdul Karim said the council is expected to initiate research on the regeneration and replanting of rattan, bemban, bamboo, mengkuang, tekalong and others to ensure a sustainable supply of natural raw materials.
“It is also our aspiration to make Kuching sustain its World Craft City status with the construction of the Sarawak Craft Centre,” he added.
