By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 16: Sarawak Craft Council recorded RM5.9 million in sales from promotional events throughout 2025, signalling strong market confidence in the State’s traditional crafts.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the figure comprised RM2.07 million in sales from events held outside Sarawak and RM3.83 million from events within the State.
He added that the recent Ethnocultural Festival in Miri also recorded RM670,000 in handicraft sales.
“These figures demonstrate confidence in Sarawak’s handicraft industry. With stronger branding, strategic marketing, better product development and wider international exposure, there is tremendous potential to multiply these achievements in the years ahead,” he said during the Prize Giving Ceremony of the Iban Women Charitable Trust Handicraft Competition at the Sarawak Chamber Ballroom, Riverside Majestic Hotel here yesterday (Aug 15).
He also highlighted the growing interest among international travellers in authentic cultural experiences rather than conventional sightseeing.
“They want to visit longhouses and watch artisans weave a pua kumbu, learn traditional beadwork, experience our festivals, taste our food and understand our stories,” he said.
Uggah said closer integration between handicrafts, cultural tourism and community-based enterprises could bring wider economic benefits to rural communities.
“This is how heritage becomes an engine of inclusive economic growth,” he said. — DayakDaily
