KUCHING: The craft industry of Sarawak and Sabah generated a total of RM61.3 million since January this year.
Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohammadin Ketapi revealed that 3,070 craft entrepreneurs contributed to the figure.
“Overall, the performance of Kraftangan Malaysia has been encouraging. As of Sept 2019, RM370 million was generated by 5,737 craft entrepreneurs nationwide,” he said during Borneo Craft Textile Gala Night held at a hotel here recently. The event was aimed at promoting Sarawak and Sabah craft and textile products.
“From the total, RM24.2 million is from craft sales in Sarawak and RM37.1 million for the same in Sabah.
“This revenue is also in keeping with the government’s 2030 Shared Prosperity Vision which can be applied to all Malaysians.”
Mohammadin said that his ministry would continue to organise programmes to develop the country’s craft community.
“With quality tourism products in Sarawak, including Visit Sarawak 2019 programme, I believe the target of having five million visitors can be achieved.”
Mohammadin lauded the state’s number of tourists as of November which was 3.36 million.
“These were domestic and international tourists and I believe that the number would continue to increase and eventually reach the state’s target.
“At the same time, the federal government’s target of getting 30 million tourists this year and generate a revenue of RM100 billion for Visit Malaysia Year 2020 vision.”
Present to grace the gala night was Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg accompanied by state Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The apparels showcased were done in collaboration with local fashion designer Datuk Tom Abang Saufi. The gala night showcased modern and contemporary fashion with motives and designs inspired by Sarawak and Sabah’s ethnic wear.
Also present were Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk John Sikie Tayai; Kraftangan Malaysia director-general Ibrahim Ismail and Kraftangan Malaysia Sarawak director Azran Arip. Among the local craft entrepreneurs present were Tanoti Sdn Bhd and Pua Indah Enterprise along with Kraftangan Malaysia in-house designers.
