By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 20: A two-acre plot of land located behind the Sikh Temple and extending up the road to the Borneo Cultures Museum has been identified as the site for the upcoming Sarawak Craft Centre.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the land earmarked for the centre has already been presented to Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and the next step involves acquiring the land.
“So, the state capital of Sarawak, Kuching, must also have a big Sarawak Craft Centre where the Sarawak Craft Council office will be housed, apart from a gallery and a place for sales.
“The site is a beautiful place because it will be a central hub of activity, especially with an Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) station to be located nearby,” he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Craft Council’s full council meeting at a local hotel here today.
He pointed out that the location, being adjacent to the Borneo Cultures Museum, will enhance visitors’ experience while allowing tourists and locals alike to purchase Sarawak-made handicrafts.
The Sarawak Craft Centre, once completed, will house the Craft Council’s main office, exhibition galleries, and retail spaces.
“It will take approximately two years to complete. In the interim, the council has set up a temporary office at the old Sarawak Steamship building,” he said.
During the last Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting, Abdul Karim highlighted that the project is scheduled to begin development in 2026.
Craft centres in Miri and Sibu will also be integrated into the Sarawak Craft Council’s broader network, further promoting and preserving traditional craftsmanship throughout the State.
The project, which was previously estimated to cost RM65 million as announced by Abang Johari in 2022, will provide a dedicated space for local artisans to market their work, preserve heritage crafts, and boost Sarawak’s cultural tourism landscape.
Abdul Karim, who also chairs the Sarawak Craft Council, is supported by Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan as deputy chairman, while Suriya Charles Boas has been appointed the council’s chief executive officer to lead the agency forward.
“Craft is very important to Sarawak. I see the council as an agency that can elevate and unite the various communities through crafts and also provide them with a sustainable income,” he said.
He added that Sarawak has already made strides internationally with the popularity of its sape musical instruments and rattan products and expressed interest in exploring more unique local crafts that can gain global attention.
Looking ahead, the Sarawak Craft Council plans to maintain the Borneo Craft Global showcase every two years, with the inaugural event held in 2024. The council will also pursue more conferences, seminars, and expos to promote Sarawak’s craft sector and study successful craft models from neighbouring countries.
“Our aim is to strengthen and elevate the craft sector to ensure sustainable growth and global reach while showcasing the excellence of Sarawak products to the world,” he added. — DayakDaily
