By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, June 28: Sarawak tourism has been gaining traction in promoting the state globally through showcasing its cultural dance performances.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said cultural troupes from the state are slowly going global to sell Sarawak.
“We have performed in India and three other Malaysian High Commissions in foreign soil, namely the United Kingdom, Vatican and Singapore.
“In fact, the ministry has been informed that Sarawakian cultural dance troupes must be involved in Malaysian programmes wherever our High Commission offices are located,” he said at his ministry’s Gawai-Raya get together at the Civic Centre here.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak Arts Council, an agency under his ministry, will build on the troupe’s capacity to promote Sarawak when they are sent overseas, apart from being involved in cultural performances.
The performers will showcase Sarawak’s diverse ethnicities and cultures.
“We have to develop this, so that the people worldwide will get to know more about Sarawak, especially as an attractive destination,” he said
Abdul Karim also mentioned the need to set up a craft centre in Kuching to showcase the many varieties of crafts in Sarawak, after the city had been given the accreditation by the World City of Craft last year.
“Miri already has one and we want to showcase crafts here in Kuching, while at the same time, develop the crafts from various ethnicities in Sarawak,” he said.
He added that the ministry was currently looking for a sit to set up the centre, which he envisioned would become a “must visit” place in the city. — DayakDaily
