KUCHING: Sarawak and Sabah have recorded RM14.9 million and RM15.8 million respectively in sales value for the craft industry as of Sept 30 this year.
Caretaker Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri disclosed that this was an increase of 19 per cent compared to the same period in 2021.
“The achievement of Sarawak and Sabah accumulated to RM30.7 million – an increase of 19 per cent or RM25.7 million that was recorded in Sept last year.
“This value contributed to the overall sales performance of RM211 million for this year and it has exceeded the target of RM200 million,” she said during the Malam Gala Festival Kraf Tekstil Borneo Sarawak 2022 at Pullman Hotel Kuching on Friday (Nov 4) evening.
Her text of speech was read out by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture secretary general Datuk Saraya Arbi.
Nancy stated that Malaysia’s craft industry has received international recognition whereby the nation bagged six awards during the recent 6th International Craft Awards (ICA) held in New Delhi, India.
Expressing how proud she was of this achievement, she said Kraftangan Malaysia, which is the leading agency for the nation’s craft industry, was also awarded the Organisation for Sustainable Development of Craft Sector.
She said this clearly showed the roles and contributions by her ministry and Kraftangan Malaysia in making the craft industry sustainable and competitive.
“I would also like to congratulate our songket entrepreneur hailing from Kampung Gedong in Simunjan, Ramtiniwaiti Ramlee, who was awarded the Craft Person of the Year. The young entrepreneur has a great interest and determination in dignifying the state’s songket craft.
“She ventured into the field of songket craft since 2012 and she now has successfully expanded her songket company by offering job opportunities to the youth and women. This indirectly improves songket weaving skills and generates income for the local community,” she said.
She added that Ramtiniwaiti can be a role model and entrepreneur icon for the youth who are interested in handicraft enterprises.
Also present during the event were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and other dignitaries.
