By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Dec 7: The Sense of Malaysia concept store at Kuching International Airport (KIA) recorded sales of over RM1 million in 2025, driven by products from about 25 local vendors.
Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Commercial general manager Shahren Yusri said the store, which has been in operation for over a year, recorded encouraging performance, with daily sales ranging from RM3,000 on normal days to as high as RM13,000 on weekends.
“Today, we are grateful to receive good responses from various parties, which helped make the official event of the ‘Sense of Malaysia’ concept store a success,” he told reporters after the store was launched by Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah at the airport today.
Shahren noted that the store’s success is attributed to vendors’ innovative product development, including improved packaging and merchandising strategies.
He said the store features three main product categories: handicrafts; apparel and accessories; and food and textiles.
As the operator and coordinator, CENTEXS Commercial welcomes Sarawak entrepreneurs who wish to market and promote their products through the concept store.
Shahren also revealed that Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, who was accompanied by her daughter Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah ‘Athiyatullah, expressed her appreciation for the wide range of high-quality products and made several purchases.
“Tengku Ampuan of Pahang also suggested that we include products made by prison inmates, such as finger foods like curry puffs and cakes,” he added.
He further disclosed that expansion plans to West Malaysia, including potential outlets at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, are being discussed with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the store plays an important role in promoting local products.
“I am impressed. Based on the feedback, the sales performance has been very good and encouraging,” he stated.
Tengku Ampuan of Pahang’s visit to Kuching was held in conjunction with the Borneo International Textile Festival (BITF 2025), which runs from Dec 7 to 8.
Also present was CENTEXS chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani. – DayakDaily
