KUCHING: The Sarawak Craft Council will be formalised as a body with the legal framework to regulate and develop the craft industry in the state.
This comes after the Sarawak Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Sarawak Craft Council Bill 2023 on Tuesday (May 16).
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the council was previously set up through a state Cabinet paper in 1996, but it lacked the legal framework to look after the craft industry.
"The formalisation of the council as a body corporate will realise the full potential of Sarawak's craft industry," he said when tabling the Bill.
Abdul Karim said the council's primary focus would be preserving and promoting Sarawak's rich cultural heritage, including safeguarding traditional craft techniques, knowledge and practices integral to Sarawak's cultural identity.
It will also empower and involve local communities, particularly craft artisans and practitioners, in the decision-making processes related to developing and promoting crafts.
In addition, the council will promote the economic growth and sustainability of the craft industry; enhance craft tourism; carry out research, innovation and product development to improve the quality, design and competitiveness of Sarawak's craft products; and implement capacity-building programmes for local artisans.
Abdul Karim said the council's functions are to promote traditional cultural expression and knowledge; assist craftsmen to use modern methods of production and marketing; monitor and improve the quality of crafts for local and foreign markets; and propose strategies to develop the craft industry.
He said its powers included providing training facilities and incentives for the craft industry; carrying on the business of producing, marketing and exporting crafts on a commercial basis; and entering into contracts or collaborations on matters related to the development and promotion of crafts.
"The functions and powers of the council are important to ensure the craft industry is properly regulated and developed.
"With the formalisation of the council as a corporate body, the craft industry will have the legal framework, resources and support to address the challenges it faces," he said.
