By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 16: Formalisation of the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) means establishing a clear legal framework to function effectively.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang said the legal framework, which the current SCC is lacking, can empower it to become an effective intermediary between the industry, stakeholders, and the government.
He added that it also facilitates collaboration, creates a course of action for sustainable growth, and encourages innovation within the craft industry sector.
“As it stands, the current status of SCC has no legal framework, which hinders its ability to effectively carry out essential functions such as entering into agreements, contracts, collecting revenues, and other tasks.
“At the same time, it hampers its ability to represent the interest of stakeholders effectively, meet the expectations of the craft industry, and seize economic opportunities that could benefit the rakyat and Sarawak as a whole,” he said.
Gira said the Sarawak government’s proposal to formalise SCC is vital to capitalise on the growth potential and seize the opportunities presented by the global market.
It enables SCC to engage and establish agreements with private sectors, encouraging them to invest in the craft industry.
“This collaboration with the private sector will not only stimulate the further expansion of the industry but also bring additional resources, expertise, and innovation that can uplift the craft sector to greater heights,” he said when debating the Sarawak Craft Council Bill, 2023 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
The Bill was tabled by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah earlier today. — DayakDaily
