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KUCHING, 1 Oct: The Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts (MTCP) will investigate the issue of background exposure at Kuching International Airport (KIA) which is being questioned for allegedly not reflecting Sarawak's cultural identity and heritage.
His Excellency, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that he took the matter seriously and will get further information regarding the sources and those responsible for preparing and installing the display.
According to him, based on photos posted on social media, the motifs on the display were found to look like they were created using artificial intelligence (AI) rather than traditional Sarawak motifs.
"The motifs featured in the photos spread on social media were found to be created using AI instead of Sarawak's original motif.
"The matter will be examined in terms of the sources and those responsible for installing it and if found not to reflect Sarawak's culture and heritage, the motif should be replaced with a real one", he said.
He said so at the Sarawak Regatta Committee Media Conference and Surrender of Cura Penaja Checks in Kuching, today.
Abdul Karim said the exhibition at KIA should accurately reflect Sarawak's artistic and cultural identity, especially as the airport is among the main entrances to the state.
He said that the efforts to improve the exhibition in question are important to ensure that the images of Sarawak's culture and heritage presented to visitors are accurate and authentic.
The issue arose after some parties questioned the motifs on the display which were alleged to resemble Indonesian 'bond' weaving, while only a small portion is said to have similarities with the traditional motif of Sarawak's Pua Kumbu.
The President of the Sarawak Arts, Crafts and Design Association Gerald Goh previously claimed that about 98 percent of the motifs on the exhibition looked like Indonesian knitted 'bond' and urged parties concerned to review the design. - TVS
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