KUCHING: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry will organise a Borneo crafts roadshow in October to promote the crafts of Sabah and Sarawak, says its deputy minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
He said the crafts of both states deserved greater recognition from a wider audience.
"We find that the crafts of Sabah and Sarawak are not promoted widely enough so the ministry will organise a roadshow in October so more people will know about the unique and beautiful crafts of both states," he told reporters after opening the Sematan Festival in the coastal town of Sematan near here on Friday (Aug 11).
He said the roadshow would travel through Sabah and Sarawak to identify and assist craft entrepreneurs to promote their products.
Khairul Firdaus said it was important to synchronise marketing and promotion efforts so that the entrepreneurs could reach a wider market.
"The ministry sees crafts as an important pillar that can generate revenue for entrepreneurs as well as the nation," he added.
In his speech earlier, Khairul Firdaus said Sematan had the potential to attract tourists with its natural beauty and local products.
He said the district was known for its craft products made from belian wood, beads and bamboo as well as scenic mountains and islands.
"When I return to Putrajaya, I will ask Tourism Malaysia to look at the beautiful attractions here and promote them to the world," he said.
Khairul Firdaus said the three-day festival was also an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products.
"I understand this festival has been held since 1995 and is a platform to boost the local economy," he added.
