MIRI: There is still a balance of RM5.35 million in the Heritage, Arts and Culture Facilitation Fund and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts is leaving its doors open.
The fund is open to artists (individuals), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Sarawak.
“In 2022, the Premier approved RM10 million for the fund and from this figure last year we supported 80 activities and programmes throughout Sarawak amounting to RM4.65 million,” said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting on Monday after chairing a Sarawak Tourism Coordination Committee (STCC) meeting here.
“The State Financial Secretary has just approved my Ministry’s appeal to retain the balance of the fund to be utilised completely,” he said.
“Apart from the events grant, my Ministry also provides research grants to government agencies, higher learning institutions/universities, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations who propose to carry out research, studies or surveys on topics or areas related and which can contribute to the development of tourism, arts and culture of Sarawak,” Ting pointed out.
From September 2021 to April 2023, a total of 14 research grants were approved involving a total allocation of RM6,245,965.
Also present during the STCC meeting were Mayor Adam Yii, permanent secretary to the Ministry Datu Sherrina Hussaini and the ministry’s principal assistant secretary Dr Elena Gregoria Chai.
