1 hour ago
9
ADVERTISE HERE
Snowdan (third right) securing the ketupat to mark the Sarawak Crafts Council’s Aidilfitri and Pre-Gawai Gathering at a hotel in Kuching on May 8, 2026.Advertisement
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 9: No longer confined to its role as a custodian of tradition, Sarawak’s craft industry has transformed into a vibrant economic contributor, a medium that fosters racial harmony, and a cultural icon carrying Sarawak’s identity to the world.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak’s rich craft heritage reflects the uniqueness of its more than 34 ethnic communities, each possessing distinct artistic traditions and cultural identities.
Advertisement
He said Sarawak’s crafts, ranging from the Iban community’s Pua Kumbu weaving, Orang Ulu beadwork, Sarawak Malay songket and keringkam, Melanau terendak hats, to Bidayuh wood carvings, carry not only aesthetic value but also deep historical significance, beliefs and community identity.
“Crafts are an important and effective medium for uniting races. In Sarawak’s cultural diversity, crafts become the bridge that connects us all,” he said in his speech text read by Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Art Datuk Snowdan Lawan when officiating the Sarawak Crafts Council’s Aidilfitri and Pre-Gawai Gathering at a hotel here last night (May 8).
Abdul Karim noted that through exhibitions, workshops and craft programmes, communities are able to share not only skills and creativity but also foster mutual understanding, harmony and respect among different ethnic groups.
He said the significance of crafts could also be seen during the gathering itself, with many guests proudly wearing traditional attire and accessories representing their respective ethnic backgrounds in celebration of Aidilfitri and the upcoming Gawai festival.
On the economic front, Abdul Karim stressed that the craft industry has opened up extensive opportunities for local artisans and rural communities to generate income and improve their livelihoods.
He said craft products from Sarawak now possess strong commercial value and significant potential to penetrate international markets, transforming the sector into one of the state’s important creative economy drivers.
“The craft industry contributes directly to the people’s income through the involvement of entrepreneurs, artisans and rural communities. Every product, whether woven items, wood carvings, beadwork or textiles, has not only aesthetic value but also high commercial value,” he said.
He added that with continued support in training, design innovation and digital market access, Sarawak’s craft industry is capable of expanding further globally while creating more employment opportunities in the creative sector.
Abdul Karim said his ministry, together with the Sarawak Crafts Council and related agencies, is actively implementing strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s craft industry and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Beyond economics, he emphasised that Sarawak crafts also serve as cultural ambassadors that strengthen the State’s global image and reputation as a centre of rich cultural heritage.
“Every motif and design tells a story that introduces Sarawak’s identity to the world. When our crafts are showcased nationally and internationally, they elevate the reputation of Sarawak,” he said.
He also praised several Sarawakian artisans who have successfully gained recognition nationally and internationally, including Indai Bangi Embol, Norinda Suut, Melia Linggi, Edric Ong, Dato Jacquline Fong and Datin Rosemarie Wong.
Abdul Karim also called on the younger generation to become more involved in the craft industry to ensure Sarawak’s cultural heritage continues to thrive amid rapid modernisation.
“It is our collective responsibility to continue empowering the craft industry as a heritage that unites communities, as a sustainable economic source, and as a symbol of pride for Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·