BINTULU: An old public library building of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) at Jalan Keppel here will be renovated into a handicrafts gallery.
This was revealed by BDA general manager Muhammad Yakup Kari at a press conference after holding a meeting with the chairman and members of Bintulu Women’s Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Monday.
According to him, the design plan of the building was ready while the tender for its construction would be open in the near future.
Yesterday’s meeting chaired by the Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, had deliberated on a request for a place to house local crafts and products such as dried food, confectionery and seafood products for sale to the public.
Fatimah said the selection of the old Library building was due to its very strategic location in the centre of Bintulu town.
She said the proposed Handicraft Gallery would be a hub for exhibitions and marketing of local handicrafts and food products produced by local residents.
“Besides encouraging entrepreneurs to produce quality products, it also gives opportunities to local women entrepreneurs in particular to increase their income and help entrepreneurs who want to do business but don’t have a place to sell their products,” she said.
She assured that the Sarawak government recognises the complementary work done by the NGOs in contributing to the well-being of the community.
