TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah tabled the Sarawak Craft Council Bill, 2023 at the state legislative assembly (DUN) sitting today.
He said it seeks to establish the Sarawak Craft Council as an entity to be the authority for the regulation and development of crafts.
It is important to formalise SCC as the lead organisation responsible for the successful development of the Sarawak craft industry, he said.
“The expectations and needs of the industry, stakeholders, public and the government render the need to formalise SCC into a body with a legal framework through the Sarawak Craft Council Bill, 2023..
“We believe that the SCC will be a key enabler in realising the full potential of Sarawak’s craft industry and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the state.
“Due to its unique and complementary role to Kraftangan Malaysia, SCC will only focus specifically on the needs and aspirations of Sarawak’s craft industry,” he said.
The SCC, he said, will have a primary focus on preserving and promoting Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, which includes safeguarding traditional craft techniques, knowledge, and practices integral to Sarawak’s cultural identity.
The SCC aims to empower and involve local communities, particularly craft artisans and practitioners, in the decision-making processes related to developing and promoting the craft.
“This will ensure that the voices and interests of local stakeholders are effectively represented, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in Sarawak’s craft heritage,” he said.
The SCC will have the flexibility to develop and implement strategies and initiatives specifically tailored to the needs and potential of Sarawak’s craft industry; to enable targeted interventions to address Sarawak’s craft sector’s unique challenges and opportunities.
According to Karim, the SCC will outline strategies to promote the economic growth and sustainability of Sarawak’s craft industry, including fostering entrepreneurship, improving market access, and enhancing value chains.
In addition, the SCC will be mandated to develop and implement initiatives to enhance craft tourism, such as promoting craft-based cultural events, establishing craft trails, and creating marketing platforms.
“This will contribute to Sarawak’s tourism sector and generate revenue for local artisans and craft entrepreneurs,” he said
The minister also said that the SCC will prioritise research, innovation, and product development to elevate the quality, design, and competitiveness of Sarawak’s craft products to meet the market’s changing demands and improve their income-generating potential.
It will also emphasise the importance of conservation and sustainable practices in Sarawak’s craft industry, including using eco-friendly materials, promoting fair trade practices, and advocating for sustainable production methods.
“The SCC will play a crucial role in advocating the interests of Sarawak’s craft industry at various policy forums and engaging in policy development initiatives; to ensure that the craft industry’s voice is heard and considered in policy decisions, leading to a favourable operating environment.
“The SCC will act as a focal point for coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders in the craft ecosystem, including artisans, craft entrepreneurs, government agencies, industry associations, academia, and civil society organisations,” he added.
