By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 21: The Sarawak government will establish Sarawak Handicraft Centre costing RM65 million in Kuching.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the centre will ensure that local producers are highly skilled in the production and management of handicrafts products.
“The centre will provide space to the industry to promote and sell handicraft products.
“In 2023, a sum of RM500,000 will be allocated to kickstart the project,” he said when tabling the Supply (2023) Bill 2022 or Sarawak Budget 2023 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Abang Johari also said the Sarawak government will allocate RM87 million to continue the implementation of tourism-related projects next year including the transformation of Brooke Dockyard into Maritime Museum, Santubong Archeological Park and Wallace Centre, construction of a jetty and other facilities at Santubong for Kuching Wetlands National Park and Sadong Jaya Mangrove Tourism.
Other projects include exhibition content development for Fort Hose in Marudi, Fort Lily in Betong, Fort Emma in Kanowit, and Fort Brooke in Julau; conservation and upgrading of Fort Sylvia in Kapit; rejuvenation of Kuching Waterfront; Tourist Support Centre for Lundu and Sematan; upgrading of tourism facilities at Melasak Waterfall in Lawas, and Heritage Gallery and Resource Centre at Long Terawan.
Meanwhile, a separate allocation of RM1.5 million will be given to Sarawak Craft Council to enhance marketing and promotion of Sarawak’s handicraft products.
Abang Johari also said RM35 million will be allocated to implement the organisation of significant events and festivals such as Spartan Race, Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo Jazz, Borneo Cultural Festival, Borneo Music Festival, Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race, Sarawak Regatta, International Xiang Qi Competition and Conferences and many more, next year.
Additionally, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) have been allocated with RM12.5 million and RM32 million respectively, to fund their activities and operations for next year. — DayakDaily
