KUCHING: The establishment of the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) is timely as it compliments tourism as an important contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
The Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister pointed out that with BCM located at the heart of Kuching City, it will become a focus and must-stop destination for tourists.
“Its rich and unique exhibition will definitely lengthen the stay of tourists together with other upcoming attractions in Sarawak,” he said during the official opening of the BCM last night.
Following this, he stated that his ministry is devoted to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism based on the principles of competitiveness, sustainability and inclusiveness.
“This effort is done so that Malaysia becomes a global top ten tourism destination in both arrivals and receipts which is in line with National Tourism Policy 2020-2030,” he said.
In the meantime, Karim also mentioned that BCM echoes well with the aspiration of National Cultural Policy (DAKEN) 2021.
For the record, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MoTAC) recently launched DAKEN – a holistic document – that will be used as a guide and reference in planning the development of art, culture and national heritage.
“These initiatives go hand in hand with making this sector a socio-economic catalyst for Malaysian families. The seven main thrusts outlined under DAKEN 2021 are related to the implementation of arts, culture and heritage in the future,” he said.
The seven thrusts include; High Value Culture, Community Harmony, Preservation and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Development and Expansion, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Economic Generation and Cultural Excellence.
“With BCM being the latest cultural heritage institution in Sarawak, it echoes well with the aspirations of DAKEN,” he said.
